Winter Driving Safety Tips
Santa Fe, NM – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is prepared for incoming winter weather (attached is the 11/5 EOC weather overview). A winter storm watch is in effect through Friday at 5 p.m. We are expecting a long duration winter storm that will bring heavy snow and blowing snow to much of central, eastern, and northern NM. Across the state NMDOT crews and equipment are ready to keep New Mexico moving and clear roads. Depending on locations, crews will be out plowing, dropping salt and cinders, and actively working to keep snow, slush, and ice off the roads. Please avoid unnecessary travel and only drive if necessary.
Road closures are likely, including I-25 between Santa Fe and the Colorado border and other highways in northern New Mexico, please visit nmroads.com for current information. Roadway conditions and traffic updates will be posted on NMRoads.com, we encourage all travelers to use NMroads.com, check for updates, and avoid travel if necessary.
Between equipment, road material preparations and regional winter storm coordination meetings, the NMDOT is prepared, but we also need the traveling public to adopt specific winter driving tips such as preparing your vehicle, planning your route, buckling your seatbelt, reducing your speed (SLOW DOWN), and never using cruise control during winter weather.
- Don’t Crowd the Plow, please give snowplows at least 50ft.
- Reduce Your Speed, slow down
- Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you
- Plan ahead, allow extra time for travel, be patient
- Check the weather before you leave
- Know your current weather conditions and road closures visit nmroads.com
- Avoid driving in a snow cloud
- Large vehicles, such as semi-trailer trucks and snowplows, 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.
- Wear your seatbelt
- Pack items like a flashlight, blanket, water, and medications – just in case you get caught in bad weather
Roadway conditions and traffic updates will be posted on NMroads.com, we encourage all travelers to use NMroads.com, check for updates, and avoid travel if necessary!