JACKSON, Wyo. — Winter is upon us in Jackson Hole with 8 new inches of snow reported in the last 24 hours at JHMR. While the snow brings a lot of fun activities it also creates dangerous driving conditions.
What are some good ways to prepare for driving through the unforgiving Rocky Mountain weather?
First and foremost, plan ahead. There are few instances more stressful than driving through a blizzard in the middle of Wyoming. Check road and weather conditions before you leave by dialing 511 or going to the 511 Travel Information Web page.
Is your car ready for the cold and snowy days ahead? Driving in Wyoming is dangerous for all sorts of reasons, and snow only amplifies the risk. Teton County Emergency Management reminds the public to always carry an emergency kit.
According to Ready.Gov, a national campaign designed to “educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies,” every car’s emergency kit should include:
- Jumper cables
- Flares or reflective triangle
- Ice scraper
- Car cell phone charger
- Blanket
- Map
- Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
Wyoming cars should also be equipped with solid winter tires and/or chains. Chain laws go into effect frequently on Teton Pass. In Wyoming, penalties for failing to follow chain laws can result in a $250 fine or a $750 fine for violations that result in a road closure.
Flashlights, a warm layer or sleeping bag, and a tow rope are also recommended.
Keep all lights free of ice and snow, and use low beams when driving through blowing snow. Make sure all windows and mirrors are clear before starting a trip and remember to clean snow off shoes before getting in the car. A slippery accelerator and brake pedals are a safety hazard.
Once a car is ready to hit the wintery Jackson roads, drivers should ensure they are making smart decisions behind the wheel.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation offers these tips for driving in winter conditions in Wyoming:
- 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 your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, they will do the pumping automatically, so firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal will bring your vehicle to the quickest stop.
- Whatever your vehicle type, it will take longer to stop. Increase your following distances to at least four seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. To adjust your following distance, allow the vehicle ahead to pass a landmark and count the seconds until you pass the same landmark. If you reach the landmark before four seconds, you are following too closely.
- Keeping your speed down on a slippery road will reduce the risk of skidding. If you begin to skid, gently turn into the skid and ease your foot off the accelerator until you regain control.
- If you stop to help someone who has slid off the road or been in a crash due to ice, be careful. Park well away, and, as you help, be alert and ready to get out of the way should anyone else lose control of their vehicle at the same icy location.
- Most of all, be patient when driving on ice or snow. If the vehicle in front of you spins out on an icy hill, stay in line. Wait for a snowplow to clear the way. You’ll get through much quicker.
More tips can be found here.
Drive safe out there, and stay warm.
