Highway shoulders aren’t the place to play in the snow

It’s winter and you’re itching for a day trip. You see that the forecast calls for snow in the high country, and you get excited for a day of playing in the snow.

You’ve stuffed your trunk, checked your car, packed an emergency travel kit, planned your route and you’re ready to head out. But there’s one other thing you need to know. 

Don’t park on highway shoulders to play in the snow. Instead, go to designated winter recreation areas.

We know. The snow is pretty and enticing. And who doesn’t want to unleash their inner child and start sledding or making snow angels as soon as they see snow?

But highway shoulder areas are not a playground. Not only is parking on highway shoulders dangerous, it can also obstruct first responders trying to get to the scene of a crash or other incident. 

If you're traveling toward Flagstaff, the city has a map for snow play areas in and around the city with additional information about services you can use to access the winter recreation areas. The Arizona Office of Tourism also has information that highlights a few spots for winter sports. 

As you can see, there are several locations across the high country to get your fill of snow, but a highway shoulder is not one of them. 

And remember, if you’re planning on traveling when winter conditions are present, keep these tips in mind:

• Be prepared to spend an extended amount of time on roadways.
• Pack an emergency travel kit that includes a fully charged cellphone, non-perishable snacks, drinking water, warm blankets and extra clothes, a flashlight, and kitty litter (for tire traction.)
• Download the AZ511 app (free on Android and Apple) to access the state highway camera system and view real-time traffic conditions. 
• Stay four car-lengths behind a snowplow and never attempt to pass the plow. 

Find more winter driving tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.