NDOT, Nevada State Police offer winter weather driving safety tips

The Highway Patrol Division (NHP) of the Nevada Department of Public Safety and the Nevada Department of Transportation are reminding drivers to drive more safely as wintery weather approaches in northern Nevada.

Inclement weather caused almost 3,500 crashes in the state during winter, from October 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024, this includes eleven fatal collisions.

Unsafe driving in snow, ice, and other wet conditions—such as going too fast for the conditions, following too closely, or failing to maintain a lane and overcorrecting—was the cause of many of the collisions, according to authorities.

Drivers are encouraged to drive cautiously and to give other vehicles space, especially during the winter months. Other crucial driving advice includes paying attention to the road and wearing a seat belt.

NDOT says updated state road conditions, including winter road closures and incidents, are available by downloading the Nevada 511 app or logging on to nvroads.com before driving.

Drivers can also view live traffic cameras and sign up for free traffic alerts for their state road commute.

More Information

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), logging on to nvroads.com or downloading the Nevada 511 app.
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.
SLOW DOWN. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions. This may mean slowing below posted speed limits if required by weather and road conditions.
Turn on headlights to see and be seen.
Do not rely solely on GPS to find alternate routes, as it could lead to unmaintained roadways or hazardous areas.
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 (anti lock braking system) vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles.
Always comply with all posted traction device 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 first response vehicles and 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.

BE PREPARED

Check the following 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, brake fluid, etc.)

Items to carry with you in your car:

Tire chains, tow strap
Flashlight
Spare batteries
Ice Scraper
Cell phone for emergency communications
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
Printed state map for back-up navigation

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 whiteout 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.

More information and additional winter driving safety tips are also available at dot.nv.gov/winter.