Sheriff's Office: Go slow when driving in the snow and ice
During winter months, traveling on Carson City roadways can be quite a challenge. With the rain and snow come cold weather and black ice. Add to this a combination of limited visibility and you increase your chances for a crash, said Sgt. Scott McDaniel of the Carson City Sheriff's Office.
When driving in these conditions, slow down, take your time and be prepared for the unexpected. Don’t rush, drive with courtesy and caution.
Here are some practical safe driving tips provided by the Nevada Department of Transportation and Caltrans.
— Travel in winter weather when necessary, leave enough time to safely reach your destination and plan your route to avoid snowy/icy areas and steep hills.
— Slow down. A highway speed of 65 miles per hour may be safe in dry weather, but an invitation for trouble on snow and ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seat belt buckled and leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
— Before driving, check weather and road conditions.
— 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.
— Bring a cell phone but don't use it while driving. And 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.
— Do not slam on brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles.
— 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.
— Always carry tire chains, especially when traveling in mountain passes or typically snowy areas.
— You must stop and put on chains when highway signs indicate chains are required. You can be cited and fined if you don't. You will usually have about a mile between "Chains Required" signs and the checkpoint to install your chains.
— When you put on chains, wait until you can pull completely off the roadway to the right. Do not stop in a traffic lane where you will endanger yourself and block traffic.
— Remember, 4-wheel-drive vehicles cannot necessarily turn or stop any better than 2-wheel-drive vehicles.
When there's a snowplow:
— 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.
— 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.
Carry the following when traveling:
— Tire chains / tow strap
— Flashlight
— Spare batteries
— Ice scraper
— 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 maps for navigation in event of winter detour
- Carson City
- Carson City Sheriff's Office
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