Throughout the winter season, many children and adults alike hope for beautiful snowy conditions to grace the South Plains, giving them a day off from school or work. Unfortunately, we are more likely to see icy conditions rather than the snowy wonderland that everyone is hoping for which is why it’s important to know how to handle all types of winter weather conditions when they are present.
“Anytime you have icy conditions and snowy conditions, we would hope that people would postpone their travel. That’s probably the best thing you can do. If you can reschedule that doctors appointment, or just look for another time to take your trip that’s probably the best thing that we advise motorist to do during winter weather season.”
While it’s easy for many folks to stay indoors during inclement weather, many others still have to go to work which means heading out into some dangerous conditions. If you are forced to drive in this inclement weather, here are some tips and tricks on how to stay safe.
“If it’s unavoidable and if you do have to travel during inclement weather the best thing you can do is to take your time. Give yourself that extra time you need to get to your destination. Another good tip to follow is to increase your following distance. Give yourself three or more car length space between you and the vehicle in front of you that way you have enough time to react and hopefully have time to slow down if you see something up ahead.”
TXDOT always pre-treats the roads with brine water before inclement weather, but that doesn’t always include smaller streets and rural areas which means they’re not always safe to drive on.
“We do, as an agency, try to pretreat roadways before a storm hits. We use brine water, but I do want drivers to know that’s not a 100% method of making sure ice doesn’t form. Now it helps prevent ice from forming but if you get cold enough weather and get enough precipitation the roadways will freeze.”
Dianah recommends checking drivetexas.org before you leave for the latest road conditions across the state. She also suggests letting others know where you’re going and what route you are taking just in case you do come across any issues.
