TxDot Gives Tips For Winter Weather Travel

With the chance of snowfall across the High Plains driving will be impacted for the Tuesday morning commute in the Amarillo area.

The Texas Department of Transportation has these tips for you.

Plan Ahead for Winter Travel

• Plan your route and check road conditions at www.DriveTexas.org or by calling 800-452-9292.
• Let others know your route and expected arrival time, building in extra time for delays.
• Prepare your vehicle for winter driving by checking its antifreeze, battery, tires, windshield wipers, and lights, including brake lights.
• Assemble an emergency roadside kit to keep in your vehicle — (this should include water, snacks, blankets, etc. just in case.)
• Make sure your windshield and mirrors are clean. Use your defroster, an ice scraper, and a broom to remove any ice and snow before driving so you can see and have your vehicle more easily seen by other drivers.

Tips for Driving in Winter Conditions

• Headlights (low beams) on to see and be seen.
• Slow down and increase your distance between other vehicles. It can take twice as long to stop on wet roads and up to 10 times longer on icy roads.
• Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses, and shaded areas as they tend to freeze first.
• Do not use cruise control, as it may cause you to lose control on icy surfaces.
• Accelerate and brake gently using slow, steady strokes to test traction.
• Approach turns, bridges, and shaded spots slowly. If your vehicle starts to slide, stay calm and keep both hands on the wheel. Take your foot off the gas, and then steer in the direction of the skid. Once your vehicle regains traction, turn your wheels in the direction you want to go.
• Stay a safe distance (at least 200 feet) away from snowplows and other TxDOT vehicles as they treat roadways. #DontCrowdThePlow

Motorists need to drive responsibly, drive for the conditions, practice safe driving habits and heed travel warnings during winter weather events. Checking road conditions at www.DriveTexas.org or calling 800-452-9292 before heading out is encouraged to avoid encountering potentially hazardous conditions. You can also follow TxDOT’s Amarillo District on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TxDOTAmarilloTX, Twitter at www.twitter.com/TxDOTAmarillo, and now on NextDoor.