This publication is made available by ADOT in the interest of public safety. Weather conditions in Arizona can find you driving in sunny, moderate climates of the low desert to ice and snowof the mountain regions in a couple of hours. The Arizona Department of Transportation wants to make sure that your travel throughout the state is safe and enjoyable, no matter what the climate. We offer the enclosed winter driving information to ensure that you save the slipping and sliding for the slopes and not the roadways. Keep this brochure in your vehicle’s glove box when traveling in the high country. Vehicle Preparation Residents of the high country are usually aware of necessary preparations for winter weather. However, if you are not used to driving on snow and ice, you will want to check your vehicle thoroughly before heading to the high country of Arizona. Make certain that the following mechanical components are properly maintained: Battery – Cold-starting places heavy demand on a vehicle’s battery. Radiator – Make sure the antifreeze is tested for below freezing levels. Wipers – Install new wiper blades and top off windshield cleaner/solvent. Ignition system – Have a mechanic verify that your ignition system is working properly. Thermostat – Have a mechanic test your thermostat to be certain it will function in the cold. Lights – Be sure that headlights, tail, brake lights and turn signals are functioning. Exhaust system – A faulty exhaust system can result in carbon monoxide poisoning and death. Check exhaust pipes and mufflers for leaks. Heater – You may not use it in the desert, but be sure it is working before heading to the high country. Brakes – You’re going to need them, so check to be sure they are properly working. Defroster – A foggy windshield in cold weather results in limited visibility. • • • • • Battery booster cables Travel tool kit Safety flares Plastic bags and/or containers for sanitation Pre-packaged fruits, nuts and nutrition bars. Important Phone Numbers Oil level – Replace your summer oil with winter grade oil if you anticipate driving in cold climates. Tires – Need we say how important good traction is on snow and ice? Snow tires, chains or studded tires are often recommended for travel in snowy, mountainous areas. Vehicle Supplies If you drive in the desert, you know the value of carrying drinking water with you. Maintain that same habit in the high country. If you get stranded in cold weather, you will need plenty of drinking water. We also recommend having a cell phone and/or a citizens band radio for emergency communication. Other items to stock in your vehicle for your trip to the high country include: • Flash light and spare batteries • Battery-operated radio • Ice scraper • First aid kit • Necessary medications • Brightly colored scarf for wearing and for signaling in an emergency • Sleeping bags and/or blankets • Extra gloves, mittens, socks and wool caps • Winter coats and raincoats • Pocketknife • Candles and matches or lighter • Small bag of sand for wheel traction • Small folding shovel for snow removal Emergency 911 (ask for Highway Patrol) DPS Flagstaff District Globe District Holbrook District Kingman District Phoenix District Prescott District Safford District Tucson District Yuma District (602) 223-2000 Arizona Department of Transportation Communication and Community Partnerships 206 S. 17th Ave. Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602.712.7355 or visit us at: www.azdot.gov/ccpartnerships 511 Safe Winter Driving Tips To make your winter driving safe and enjoyable, ADOT offers these driving tips: 1 – Check the weather and road conditions. Before starting on your trip to the high country, it is best to check local radio or TV stations for weather and road conditions. Of course, you can always get up-to date weather and road conditions by telephoning 511 or 1-888-411-ROAD for current information. 2 – Slow down, be patient, and drive safely! Allow extra time for your trip if road conditions are icy or snow covered. Remember, if you start late, expect to arrive late and do not try to make up time by driving faster. You have better control over your vehicle on slick roads at slower speeds. Allow yourself more braking distance when approaching intersections. Anticipate that other drivers may not be able to stop in time and may slide through the intersection. Slow starts improve traction. Drive defensively! 3 – Inform someone of your destination. Tell relatives or friends of your itinerary and estimated arrival and departure times. Alert them if there are any changes in plans and inform them when you reach your destination. 4 – Carry extra food and water with you. Dehydration and hunger occur faster when you are cold. Nuts, fruit and nutrition bars are recommended. 5 – Carry snow chains. Even in a fourwheel drive, icy or snow-packed highways can be impossible to negotiate without chains. Be careful of ‘black ice’, which can form on roadways after dark or when the temperatures drop. 6 – Dress warmly. Make certain that you have extra dry clothing in your vehicle. Blankets and sleeping bags should also be readily accessible. 7 – Stay in your vehicle! If you become stranded or broken down, remain inside your vehicle. It is safer there, sheltered from the cold weather and easier for the Department of Public Safety or ADOT crews to find you. 8 – Keep the fuel tank topped off. Plenty of fuel means being able to keep warm in your vehicle longer if you become stuck in snow. It is recommended that you run your engine for 10-15 minutes every hour and with the window slightly opened to ensure adequate ventilation. 9 – Leave room for emergency vehicles to pass. If you need to stop for any reason, pull off the roadway and turn off your vehicle lights. When possible, pull off and park in a well-lit parking lot or rest area. 10 – Don’t follow snow plows too closely. Stay back at least 50 feet. Remember, snow plows and other snow removal equipment travel slow and make frequent stops. Plows are much wider than most vehicles. Do not pass snow plows while they are operating. The Arizona Department of Transportation is committed to making travel safer in our state. Winter can be a dangerous time with ice, snow and freezing weather causing unsafe driving conditions. Enjoy the diverse weather that Arizona has to offer and drive safely! Check our website at www.azdot.gov/knowsnow for information and additional safety tips. For current road conditions please dial 511 or log on to www.az511.com Before you go... Know Snow in Arizona! Enjoy Arizona’s high country with these winter weather driving tips.