Safety tips for Lake Tahoe holiday and winter travel

Nevada's Department of Transportation, Highway Patrol, City of South Lake Tahoe and Caltrans all had words of advice for travelers this holiday weekend. Roads will be full of cars, and the added threat of high winds and a snow storm will create issues for those not prepared on the road.

Winter is upon us as we begin to see our first accumulative snowfall and cold, icy conditions. Every year families travel to South Lake Tahoe for Thanksgiving and Christmas, leading to congested roadways and an increase in pedestrian traffic. Many of these travelers are foreign to winter weather and do not have much experience driving in icy conditions. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department joins the other law enforcement agencies in reminding motorists to be alert and courteous so that everyone can arrive at their destination and enjoy the holiday season with their friends and loved ones.

On average, more than 2,000 crashes occur in Nevada every year due to unsafe driving in snow, ice and other wet conditions, such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, or failing to maintain a lane and over-correcting.

In winter weather, motorists are reminded to drive slowly for conditions and leave space between their vehicle and others. Wearing a seat belt and focusing on the road are other important driving tips for any type of weather.

“Speed and distracted driving can lead to traffic crashes, injuries and even deaths, and that’s particularly true in winter weather,” Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Duncan Dauber said. “By driving more slowly in winter conditions and always focusing on the road, many crashes and deaths could be avoided.”

WINTER DRIVING TIPS
- Only travel in winter weather when necessary, leave enough time to safely reach your destination and plan your route to help avoid snowy/icy areas and steep hills.
- Before driving, check weather and road conditions by dialing 511 or logging on to www.nvroads.com in Nevada, or www.tahoeroads.com, 1-800-427-ROAD (7623), or http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ in California.
- Share your travel itinerary so others know when to expect you.
- Remove snow and ice from all vehicle windows, mirrors, lights, turn signals and license plates.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition.
- Check your brakes, lights and windshield wipers to make sure they are functioning properly.
- Warm up your vehicle and make sure your windshield is clear of ice and snow before driving.
- Be alert. Constantly scan the road for hazards and give yourself enough room to react safely.
- Remember, stopping distances can double in rain and triple in snow.
- Minimize distractions, such as turning off or silencing your cell phone.
- Buckle up.
- Turn on headlights to see and be seen.
- Turn off cruise control.
- Avoid quick starts, stops and fast turns. Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly and gradually.
- Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.
- Do not slam on brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles.
- Always comply with all posted chain requirements.
- If your vehicle has snow tires, install and use them between October 1 and April 30.
- Keep additional distance from other vehicles.
- Watch carefully for snow removal equipment.
- Do not pass without good distance and sight clearance.
- Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas- they may freeze first.
- Maintain a high fuel level.
- If vehicle begins to skid, steer in direction of slide and slowly remove foot from accelerator.
- Be aware of black ice.
- If parked or stuck in snow, leave window slightly cracked for ventilation and make sure vehicle exhaust system is clear of snow.

Carry with you: Tire chains / tow strap; Flashlight; Spare batteries; Ice scraper; Cell phone for emergency communication; Snow shovel; Flares; Jumper cables; Small bag of sand for wheel traction; Extra winter clothes, coat, gloves, socks; Blanket or sleeping bag; Non-perishable foods, water; First aid supplies, prescription medication; Battery-operated radio; Candles, matches or lighter; State map for navigation in event of winter detour.