WILSON, Wyo. — As Jackson experiences an unusually slow start to winter weather, roads have been difficult to navigate amid freeze-thaw cycles (not to mention the avalanches).
On Tuesday morning, Dec. 23, icy road conditions on Teton Pass lead to car accidents and at least one overturned . As the weather continues to fluctuate, keep these tips from the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) in mind when approaching an icy roadway.
- Getting a vehicle moving on snow and ice requires pointing the front wheels straight ahead and carefully accelerating. Using first gear in a standard transmission or low in an automatic can give too much power, causing wheels to spin. Rely on second gear or “drive” in an automatic, for safer starts.
- Whatever the vehicle type, it will take longer to stop. Increase following distances to at least four seconds behind the vehicle in front. To adjust the following distance, allow the vehicle ahead to pass a landmark and count the seconds until passing the same landmark.
- Locked wheels and skids result when drivers jam on conventional brakes. Pumping those brakes often is required to stop safely and smoothly in slippery conditions. If a vehicle has anti-lock brakes, they will do the pumping automatically, so firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal will bring the vehicle to the quickest stop.
- Keeping speed down on a slippery road will reduce the risk of skidding. If the vehicle begins to skid, gently turn into the skid and ease off the accelerator until regaining control.
Most of all, WYDOT advises travelers to slow down, to keep moving and not to panic, and to obey all travel closures and advisories during winter months. See more in WYDOT’s cold weather driving guide, Winter Wheelin’ in Wyoming.
