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: Plan Ahead Maintain at least a three-quarter full tank of gas Carry warm clothes to protect you during extended periods in cold temperatures Carry tire chains, snow cables or snow tires Carry plenty of food and water and all necessary medications Carry a fully charged cell phone Visit www.az511.gov or dial 5-1-1 to check for current road and weather conditions Plan your travel route and allow for extra time to arrive at your destination Notify someone of your travel route, destination and projected arrival time Get plenty of rest before your trip and take breaks during your trip to stay alert Carry an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle that includes blankets, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a shovel, sand for traction, and hazard warning lights or reflectors Drive Carefully Drive for conditions: slower speeds, slower acceleration Use your headlights Do not use cruise control Four-wheel and all-wheel vehicles do not stop or steer better on ice Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you Remember, the larger the vehicle, the longer the stopping distance Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps and bridges When driving behind a snowplow, stay back at least a few car lengths until it’s safe to pass or until the plow pulls off the road. If you think you’re traveling too close to a plow, you probably are. Be safe and stay back! If approaching an oncoming snowplow, slow down and give the plow extra room Know What to Do in Collisions and Emergencies Dial 9-1-1 If possible, move the vehicle out the travel lanes into a safe area Attend to all medical needs in a safe place, if possible If you are making arrangements to have your vehicle towed, do that in a safe location If your vehicle becomes non-operational, raise the front hood to signal that it is disabled Be alert to the hazards of moving traffic, especially on a slippery road surface Do not stand anywhere in the travel lanes or close to your vehicle The emergency lane or shoulder berm are not safe places to stand or park 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!