Have fun in the snow, but don’t park along highways to play

PHOENIX – Heading to Arizona’s high country this weekend to ski, sled and have snowball fights? Make sure you leave prepared to spend extended time in winter conditions, and please don’t park along highways.

Highway shoulders are for emergencies only. Along with the threat of another driver hitting your vehicle on a shoulder and the possibility that an emergency vehicle or snowplow will need to use the shoulder, consider the following if tempted to park along a highway to play in the snow.

• ADOT plows can throw snow and ice up to 30 feet off roadways.
• Other drivers may pull over as well to play in the snow, compounding the problem.
• It’s much safer to re-enter highways from on-ramps and other designated entrances.

ADOT has placed signs between mileposts 220-229 of US 180 northwest of Flagstaff warning drivers not to park on shoulders unless it’s an emergency.

Heavy traffic around popular snow-play areas can lead to delays. For those seeking snow along US 180, it can take 90 minutes or longer to get back to Flagstaff at day’s end. Once in Flagstaff, those heading south on Interstate 17 can save time by following signs to the Interstate 40/Butler Avenue interchange, then driving west to I-17.

Information on snow-play areas around Flagstaff is available at flagstaffarizona.org or 1.844.256.SNOW.

Wherever you may be traveling this weekend in Arizona’s high country, prepare for the possibility of delays caused by crashes or heavy traffic. Pack an emergency kit with items like extra blankets, warm clothes, food and water, healthy snacks, cat litter or sand for traction, and a first-aid kit. Make sure your gas tank is at least three-quarters full and take along a fully charged cellphone.

Prepare your vehicle as well by ensuring that your wipers, window defroster, headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals work.

Visit azdot.gov/KnowSnow for more tips on driving in winter weather.

To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov or call 511. ADOT’s Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (/AZDOT) are excellent sources of information and interaction. When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.