JACKSON, Wyo. — With the storm over the weekend causing icy and wet conditions, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has shared tips for navigating hazardous roadways.
WYDOT wrote in its cold weather driving guide, Winter Wheelin’ in Wyoming, that driving can become especially dicey when temperatures fluctuate.
“Thawing temperatures can leave a thin film of water over melting ice, making it even more hazardous,” WYDOT wrote in its driving guide. “There may be sharp transitions on the pavement from merely wet to extremely icy.”
According to WYDOT, drivers should be alert for ice on bridges, overpasses and in shaded areas where it can remain slick even after the sun comes out and temperatures warm. Black ice can be invisible on the road, so travelers should be aware of sudden changes in road-surface conditions.
WYDOT shares these driving recommendations:
- 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.
“Be patient when driving on ice or snow,” WYDOT said. “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.”
WYDOT, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, police and sheriffs have the authority to close roads whenever it’s necessary for public health or safety. Drivers can download the Wyoming 511 mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play. The app displays up-to-the-minute road and travel information.
