NDOT Advice to Drivers Drive Safely in the Snow

The Nevada Department of Transportation is advising drivers how to drive safely in bad weather as snow is expected to fall in northern Nevada this week.

NDOT says, driving recklessly while it’s snowing, icy, or otherwise wet can contribute to a lot of collisions.

Here are some NDOT safety recommendations for the approaching driving season:

Travel only when absolutely essential, allow enough of time to safely get where you’re going, and plan your route to assist you avoid steep slopes and snowy/icy areas.
If you’re in Nevada, call 511 (or 1-877-NV-ROADS if you’re outside of Nevada) or visit www.nvroads.com to check the weather and road conditions before you start driving.
If you’re in Nevada, call 511 (or 1-877-NV-ROADS if you’re outside of Nevada) or visit www.nvroads.com to check the weather and road conditions before you start driving.
All vehicle windows, mirrors, lights, turn signals, and license plates should be cleared of snow and ice.
Put your seatbelt on.
To see and to be seen, turn on the headlights.
When looking for other routes, don’t just rely on GPS because it could take you through dangerous or poorly maintained places.
Disable the cruise control.
Steer clear of abrupt starts, pauses, and twists. Smoothly and gradually increase the speed, brake, and steering.
Speed up a bit. Normal weather and road conditions, not winter road conditions, are used to determine speed restrictions.
Never stomp on the brakes. If required, pump the brakes on non-ABS cars and apply constant pressure to the brakes on ABS-equipped vehicles.
Always follow the traction device regulations that are displayed.
Install and utilize snow tires if your car has them between October 1 and April 30.
Keep your distance from other cars even farther.
Be on the lookout for snow removal equipment.
Never pass without a safe distance and clear line of sight.
Bridges, ramps, overpasses, and shaded locations should be especially cautious since they may freeze first.
Keep your gasoline level up.
If the car starts to skid, steer in the direction of the slide and gradually let off the gas.
Black ice must be avoided.
Make sure the vehicle exhaust system is clear of snow if it is parked or stranded in the snow, and keep the windows slightly parted for ventilation.