With first winter storm arriving Friday, Nevada officials offer winter driving tips

With the first winter storm of the fall arriving in the Sierra Friday and Saturday, the Nevada Department of Transportation and Nevada Highway Patrol offers these winter driving tips to help motorists drive more throughout the upcoming season.

On average, more than 2,000 crashes occur statewide every year due to unsafe driving in snow, ice and other wet conditions, such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, or failing to maintain a lane and overcorrecting.

In winter weather, motorists are reminded to drive slowly for conditions and leave space between their vehicle and others. Wearing a seat belt and focusing on the road are other important driving tips for any type of weather.

“Too often, we see speed and inattention lead to traffic crashes, injuries and even deaths, particularly while driving in winter weather,” Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Dave Gibson said. “By driving more slowly in winter conditions and always focusing on the road, many of these crashes could be avoided.”

The first winter storm of the 2014-2015 season is forecast to arrive Friday, then move out of the area by Saturday night.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Friday evening into Saturday morning as the early season winter storm brings periods of moderate to heavy snow with gusty winds to the Sierra. Hazardous travel over Sierra passes with whiteout conditions are possible. Drivers should expect chain controls around the Lake Tahoe Basin and winter closures for Sierra passes in Alpine and Mono counties. A foot or more is expected in higher elevations of the Sierra and around Lake Tahoe ski areas.

“Roadway safety and mobility are our top priorities,” NDOT Director Rudy Malfabon explained. “Last winter, NDOT crews dedicated more than 22,000 hours to removing snow and ice from state roads in the Truckee Meadows. We’ll be out there again throughout this winter to clear roads of ice and snow, and we ask motorists to give extra travel time and reduce speed in winter weather for further safety.”

Updated state road conditions, from winter road closures to traffic and road incident information, are available by dialing “511” or logging on to nvroads.com before driving. Drivers can also check nevadadot.com to view live traffic cameras. Winter driving safety tips are available at nevadadot.com/winter.

Through the Department of Motor Vehicles, Nevada also recently approved use of alternative traction devices. Able to be used instead of traditional tire chains, the devices are made of synthetic materials such as fabrics or plastics and wrap around the tire tread and secure to both sides of the wheel in a similar fashion to standard chains.

WINTER DRIVING TIPS
∙ Only travel in winter weather when necessary, leave enough time to safely reach your destination and plan your route to help avoid snowy/icy areas and steep hills.
∙ Before driving, check weather and road conditions by dialing 511 within Nevada (or 1-877-NV-ROADS outside of Nevada) or logging on to www.nvroads.com.
∙ Share your travel itinerary so others know when to expect you.
∙ Remove snow and ice from all vehicle windows, mirrors, lights, turn signals and license plates.
∙ Buckle up.
∙ Turn on headlights to see and be seen.
∙ Turn off cruise control.
∙ Avoid quick starts, stops and fast turns. Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly and gradually.
∙ Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.
∙ Do not slam on brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles.
∙ Always comply with all posted chain requirements.
∙ If your vehicle has snow tires, install and use them between October 1 and April 30.
∙ Keep additional distance from other vehicles.
∙ Watch carefully for snow removal equipment.
∙ Do not pass without good distance and sight clearance.
∙ Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas- they may freeze first.
∙ Maintain a high fuel level.
∙ If vehicle begins to skid, steer in direction of slide and slowly remove foot from accelerator.
∙ Be aware of black ice.
∙ If parked or stuck in snow, leave window slightly cracked for ventilation and make sure vehicle exhaust system is clear of snow.

Carry with you:
∙ Tire chains / tow strap
∙ Flashlight
∙ Spare batteries
∙ Ice scraper
∙ Cell phone for emergency communication
∙ Snow shovel
∙ Flares
∙ Jumper cables
∙ Small bag of sand for wheel traction
∙ Extra winter clothes / coat / gloves / socks
∙ Blanket or sleeping bag
∙ Non-perishable foods / water
∙ First aid supplies / prescription medication
∙ Battery-operated radio
∙ Candles / matches or lighter
∙ State map for navigation in event of winter detour

BE PREPARED
Check before you go:

∙ Wipers
∙ Tires / tread
∙ Brakes
∙ Lights
∙ Battery
∙ Radiator
∙ Belts / hoses
∙ Exhaust / fuel / ignition system
∙ Heater / defroster
∙ Thermostat
∙ Vehicle fluid levels
(anti-freeze oil, windshield and brake fluid)
∙ Full gasoline tank

SNOWPLOW SAFETY
∙ Use caution when following, passing or approaching snow removal equipment.
∙ Drive a safe distance behind snowplows. Plows often travel slower than other vehicles to remove snow, apply sand and liquid anti-icers and assist stranded vehicles.
∙ Before attempting to pass snow removal equipment, check direction of snow discharge to avoid snow and debris thrown from equipment. Remember that plows are wider than most vehicles and portions of the plow and blade may be obscured by blowing snow.
∙ Don’t crowd the plow. Only pass snow removal vehicles when a safe, legal passing area is available and adequately clear of snow and/or treated with salt and sand.
∙ Don’t travel beside a snowplow. They can shift sideways after hitting snow packs or drifts. Plows also are not able to automatically stop sanding when other vehicles pass. Therefore, sand may unintentionally hit vehicles if not driven a proper distance from snow removal equipment.
∙ When a plow approaches you, allow the plow room to operate by reducing speed and moving to the right side of the road if there is room to safely do so.
∙ Do not brake with unnecessary sudden movements when in front of a snowplow - plows cannot stop as quickly as an automobile.
∙ Don’t drive through white out conditions caused by swirling snow around a snowplow. Safely pull to the side or slow to allow visibility to improve.
∙ Remember that a snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you so look carefully.