Prepare for winter conditions before you travel, officials say

Posted 10/24/19

With winter weather already here in northwest Wyoming, the National Weather Service and Wyoming Department of Transportation are encouraging people to build a vehicle winter safety kit — and to …

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Prepare for winter conditions before you travel, officials say

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With winter weather already here in northwest Wyoming, the National Weather Service and Wyoming Department of Transportation are encouraging people to build a vehicle winter safety kit — and to know where to get the latest weather forecasts and road conditions.

“When you travel Wyoming, you can drive long distances without services, so travelers need to be ready to wait out a storm if they become stranded. Having a winter safety kit packed in your vehicle is a must,” said Riverton NWS warning coordination meteorologist Tim Troutman.

A vehicle winter safety kit should include non-perishable food, water, essential medications, blankets, flashlights, and a first aid kit. Troutman said travelers should always dress for winter weather when driving and charge cellphones before departing.

“We have heard too many stories of people wearing shorts and sandals when driving across Wyoming,”  Troutman said. “Those won’t do you much good if you become stranded or are in an accident.”

Even with a winter safety kit packed in the vehicle, Troutman said travelers should be prepared to alter or cancel travel plans if hazardous driving conditions are expected.

He encourages people to check the forecast by visiting www.weather.gov/riverton or calling the Riverton NWS office at 1-800-211-1448. The NWS offices in Wyoming also routinely use Facebook and Twitter to share important information.

Travelers are also encouraged to check the latest WYDOT road and travel information by calling 511 or visiting http://wyoroad.info. A WYDOT smartphone app can also provide pre-trip and travel information. The app can be used to view the large WYDOT network of web cameras, a color-coded system that shows pavement conditions and traffic hazards, and it can provide traveler location information to friends and family.

“Drivers need to keep their hands on the wheel, phone down and eyes on the road,” said WYDOT public relations specialist Cody Beers of Riverton. “The Wyoming 511 pre-trip app will give you road conditions and traffic incidents for the route you are traveling, improving traveler safety.” Beers said motorists share responsibility of protection of life and property.

“Give yourself extra time to reach your destination, drive at appropriate speeds to maintain vehicle control, always wear your seat belt, and stay well back from operating snow plows,” Beers said.

Troutman and Beers said their agencies routinely coordinate winter weather impacts and messaging in an effort to provide a consistent message.

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