Motorists asked to be careful driving in coming storm

One person was transported from a three-vehicle collision reported around 4:25 p.m. Tuesday at Spooner Junction.

Lanes were closed near the intersection of highways 28 and 50 for much of an hour as Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District medics evaluated those involved and two vehicles were towed.

As a forecast storm arrives in Western Nevada, the Nevada Department of Transportation and Nevada State Police are asking motorists to take winter driving safety precautions, including avoiding unnecessary travel.

Forecast wind and snow could lead to inclement travel conditions and reduced traction and visibility for the afternoon and evening commute.

Motorists should avoid unnecessary travel in inclement conditions. Those who must travel are reminded to check NVRoads.com for highway conditions beforehand. Particularly in inclement conditions, motorists should drive slowly and leave space between their vehicle and others. Wearing a seat belt and focusing on the road are additional important driving tips for any type of weather.

Statewide, nearly 4,000 crashes occurred in inclement weather between Oct. 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023. This includes 22 crashes involving fatalities. Many of the crashes were 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 overcorrecting.

NDOT is dedicated to keeping highways safe for drivers by first prioritizing snow removal on major thoroughfares such as interstates, followed by other state roads. Local city and county governments are responsible for snow removal on city streets and county roads. During the past weekend storm, NDOT maintenance staff placed nearly 60,000 gallons of brine and 900 cubic yards of salt and sand for enhanced snow removal and travel on northern Nevada highways.

Updated state road conditions, including winter road closures and incidents, are available by dialing “511” or logging on to nvroads.com before driving. Drivers can also view live traffic cameras and sign up for free traffic alerts for their state road commute. Winter driving safety tips are available at dot.nv.gov/winter.

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 within Nevada (or 1-877-NV-ROADS outside of Nevada) or logging on to www.nvroads.com.

∙  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.

∙  Buckle up.

∙  Turn on headlights to see and be seen.

∙  Do not rely solely on GPS to find alternate routes, as it could lead to unmaintained roadways or hazardous areas.

∙  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 (antilock braking system) vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles.

∙  Always comply with all posted traction device 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.