ADOT safety tips for travel in winter weather and high winds

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As more winter storms are forecast to bring strong winds and tornadoes across the state this week, the Arizona Department of Transportation is advising drivers to delay highway travel until conditions improve.

The National Weather Service is forecasting whiteout conditions at times in northern and eastern Arizona this week. Gusts above 50 mph pose a danger to high-profile riders.

Drivers who choose to travel through this week’s storm should be prepared to spend more time on the road in severe winter conditions. You should avoid traveling in winter weather to avoid long-term impassable conditions. Monitoring the forecast before you travel and packing an emergency travel kit are among ADOT’s safety tips.

Meanwhile, drivers in low-lying areas should plan for high winds, rain and wet roads. All drivers should be prepared to slow down if and when conditions deteriorate.

Once ADOT’s crew of snowplow operators have had time to clear snow and ice from the highway, safe conditions will remain in the upper elevations. Here are some winter and wet weather safety tips

• Slow down and release more room: Adjust your speed to the conditions. Cooling down and leaving a gap between your vehicle and your vehicle on icy or wet roads can prevent accidents or prevent your vehicle from skidding in slippery conditions.
• Stay updated on weather and highway conditions: In addition to following National Weather Service forecasts (weather.gov/fgz/WinterWeather), drivers can visit ADOT’s Traveler Information website at az511.gov, download the AZ511 app or call 511 for highway conditions.
• Come prepared; If you travel to the high country, dress for cold weather. Bring extra clothes and gloves as an emergency preparedness kit if you need to stop on the highway. Make sure your cell phone is charged and pack extra drinking water, food, and prescription medications (in case you experience delays).
• Other items for an emergency kit: A blanket, flashlight, snow shovel, small shovel, container of sand or kitty litter for a tire pull if your vehicle gets stuck in icy conditions. ADOT has a complete list of supplies at azdot.gov/KnowSnow (see “Must-haves for every vehicle”).
• Tire chains: Drivers should also consider weight, chains and/or four-wheel drive capacity recommended on certain highways affected by ice or snow, depending on winter storm conditions.

ADOT and law enforcement agencies are again urging travelers not to park near highways including I-17, US 180, SR 87 and SR 260 to play in the snow. Doing so is unsafe and drivers face a citation from law enforcement. People should go to established ice rinks instead. Parking is not permitted on highway shoulders for snow play, as that can block areas that emergency response vehicles can use.

Drivers can search for messages on ADOT’s statewide network of electronic signs. The ADOT Twitter feed@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) provide information and answers about highway conditions.

Get more severe weather information on this week’s wild, windy and wet winter weather!

Find more local news stories at Signals A Z.com.

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