Before you go . . .

Winter Driving Tips The Arizona Department of Transportation is committed to making travel safer in our state. Winter can be a dangerous time with ice, snow and freezing weather causing unsafe conditions. Enjoy the diverse weather that Arizona has to offer and drive safely. To make your winter driving safe and enjoyable, ADOT offers these driving tips: 1. Check the weather and road conditions. Before starting on your trip, check weather and road conditions with the local radio or TV stations. Of course you can always get up–to–date weather and road conditions by calling 511 or 1–888–411–ROAD for current information. 2. Keep the fuel tank topped off. Plenty of fuel means being able to keep warm in your vehicle longer if you become stuck in snow. It is recommended that you run your engine for a few minutes at a time and only with a window slightly opened to ensure adequate ventilation. Remember that 4–wheel drive does not mean 4–wheel stop. A 4–wheel drive vehicle will not stop any better in icy conditions. DO NOT DRIVE CLOSE TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU—maintain a safe distance. If the car in front of you abruptly stops, you won't be able to stop in time. This is especially true on icy roads. 2. Slow down, be patient, and drive safely. Allow extra time for you trip if road conditions are icy or snow covered. Remember, if you start late, expect to arrive late and do not try to make up time by driving faster. You have better control over your vehicle on slick roads at slower speeds. Allow yourself more braking distance when approaching intersections. Anticipate that other drivers may not be able to stop in time and may slide through the intersection. Slow starts improve traction. Drive defensively! 3. Inform someone of your destination. Tell relatives or friends of your itinerary. Alert them if there are any changes in plans and inform them of your safe arrival. 4. Carry extra food and water with you. We recommend dried fruit, nutrition bars, and nuts. 5. Carry snow chains. Even with 4-wheel drive, icy or snow-packed highways can be impossible to negotiate without chains. Even when the roads look clear, be careful of "black ice" which can form on roadways after dark or when temperatures drop. If you didn't bring your emergency supplies and you become stuck, you can use your car upholstery and carpeting to keep warm. 6. Dress warmly. Make certain that you have extra dry clothing in your vehicle. Blankets and sleeping bags should also be readily accessible. 7. Stay in your vehicle. If you become stranded or broken down, remain inside the vehicle. It is safer there, sheltered from the cold weather and easier for the Department of Public Safety or ADOT crews to find you. 8. Leave room for emergency vehicles to pass. If you need to stop for any reason, pull well off the roadway and turn off your vehicle lights. Where possible, find a well–lit parking lot or rest area to pull off. 9. Don’t follow snow plows too closely. Stay back at least 50 feet. Remember, snow plows and other snow removal equipment travel slowly and make frequent stops. Plows are much wider than most vehicles; so do not pass snow plows while they are operating. 10. BE SURE OF YOUR ROUTE BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR YOUR TRIP. Do not go exploring in the backcountry without some local knowledge, especially during a storm or an impending storm. The weather can change quickly in mountainous regions. 11. In poor visibility or even whiteout conditions, don't drive faster than you can see ahead. High speeds in poor or no visibility can lead to large chain reaction accidents. Remember you can't see around mountain curves and corners either. In addition to these winter driving tips, ADOT reminds all motorists to respect winter weather, conduct a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, leave extra space between your automobile and others on the road, NEVER drink and drive, AND ALWAYS BUCKLE UP!