Winter Weather Driving Tips Road Conditions for Southern New Mexico

Winter Weather Driving Tips

Road Conditions for Southern New Mexico

The NMDOT has prepared their personnel and equipment in efforts to support the need of law enforcement and emergency responders. The NMDOT will work in conjunction with emergency response as we coordinate our efforts with any possible traffic interferences that we may encounter.

Traffic updates will be posted on the NMDOT traffic advisory web-site at http://nmroads.com as they are reported, and can be retrieved through our automated system at 511 in state, or 1-800-432-4269.

Tips to know:

• REDUCE YOUR SPEED
• The best accident prevention on snow and ice is to SLOW DOWN and leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you for emergencies.
• PRACTICE GOOD WINTER DRIVING TECHNIQUES
• Keep your gas tank full, turn on your head lights, keep your windshield washer fluid full with antifreeze, keep winter driving chains in your vehicle, have a winter survival kit which includes – flashlight, hand warmers packets, first aid supplies, high energy snacks, bottled water and read your owner’s manual for special instructions on driving 4-wheel drive vehicles and vehicles with ABS on snow and ice.
• AVOID DRIVING IN A SNOW CLOUD
• Large vehicles, such as semi-trailer trucks and snow plows, may produce dense clouds of blowing snow that make it difficult for drivers to see. When drivers encounter snow clouds, they should stay back to avoid the cloud.
• PLAN AHEAD AND BE PATIENT
• Delays are common during bad weather. Leave a little earlier and be patient with delays.
• CHECK BEFORE YOU PASS
• Know where a snow plow and blade are before trying to pass. On multi-lane highways, the plow can be in your blind spot. Before attempting to pass make sure it is safe.
• PAY ATTENTION TO WEATHER FORCASTS –TRUST THEM
• Winter storms in New Mexico can become severe quickly, so stay tuned to weather forecasts when planning your trip.
• DON’T USE CRUISE CONTROL
• Never use cruise control when the roads are in slippery conditions. Using your cruise control can reduce your control of the vehicle if your tires begin to skid or slip.
• KNOW YOUR CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS
• Visit the NMDOT website for current road advisory information at http://nmroads.com, or dial 511 in the state.
• WEAR YOUR SEATBELT
• Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers also “buckle up”.

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For information please contact Ami Evans, NMDOT District One Public Information Officer at (575) 640-5981 or ami.evans@state.nm.us.