Drivers on closed Mt. Rose Highway a concern to Nevada Highway Patrol

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - During the storm that hit Lake Tahoe on Saturday, February 9, several drivers decided to ignore closure signs on the Mt. Rose Highway and proceed without complying to chain requirements on the open portions. These vehicles became stuck in the heavy snowfall or stopped due to zero visibility white-out conditions, leading rescuers into what they call "life-threatening conditions."

Troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) said they have investigated a myriad of crashes on local highways, many involving multiple vehicles with the majority of these crashes being preventable. They have also assisted countless motorists that have become disabled or stranded.

NHP is very concerned with Saturday's experience during what they call "one of the worst storms that we have experienced in recent times." Throughout the evening and into the morning hours, troopers risked their lives to assist stranded motorists that had attempted to traverse the Mt. Rose Highway. While the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) had activated the reader boards stating the highway was closed. The mission of the NHP switched from vehicle recovery to citizen recovery. During this storm, troopers managed to get all of those motorists to safety, moving them to safe locations in Reno and Incline Village.

To avoid a repeat of last weekend as we head into another stormy period, NHP is reminding all motorists to pay attention to road and weather conditions. Not only does this apply to watching weather reports, but watching for road closures, signage, and chain restrictions.

"As we saw with this last storm, first responders may not be able to respond when the roads become impassable. Tow companies were unable to respond to stranded motorists and could not remove vehicles until the following day," said the NHP in a press release.

Winter Driving Tips

There are numerous other considerations for drivers if you must travel in winter driving conditions. A common violation during inclement weather is “Speed Too Fast For Conditions”. The law states “The fact that the speed of a vehicle is lower than the prescribed limits does not relieve a driver from the duty to decrease speed by reason of weather or other highway conditions and the duty of all persons to use due care.” Only travel in winter weather when necessary. Always leave yourselves plenty of time to reach your destination and space between you and the vehicles around you. Plan your route to avoid snowy/icy areas if possible.

Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly. Do not input steering abruptly or slam on the brakes. Be sure to check your tires to make sure they have sufficient tread life and are properly inflated. Know if your vehicle will require chains and have them with you if restrictions are in place or likely to become enacted. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and that you have plenty of supplies if you should become stranded or stuck. Make yourself an emergency kit that includes a heavy winter jacket, blankets, water, a flashlight and a reflective vest.

Dial *NHP on your mobile device to report traffic crashes, impaired drivers, disabled motorists or road hazards. Remember to check NVRoads.com or dial 511 before you begin your trip for current road conditions and restrictions.