Winter Driving Safety Tips

Published on November 05, 2024

Winter weather has arrived, and Los Alamos County would like to remind motorists of some important safety considerations. Streets may be snow-packed and slippery during winter storms. It is the responsibility of every motorist to have their vehicle ready for winter conditions, and to drive carefully and courteously to ensure everyone’s safety.

Motorists should prepare all vehicles for winter driving conditions with these important steps:

-      making sure the washer fluid reservoir is topped off with washer fluid that is winter rated,

-      making sure windshield wipers are functional and working properly,

-      checking the defroster is in good working order,

-      ensuring each vehicle is equipped with a functional ice scraper, and

-      clearing snow from the windows, roof, and hood of the vehicle before traveling.

Additionally, motorists are encouraged to equip their vehicles with chains and/or snow tires and carry a container of sand and a shovel in their vehicle. Barrels of sand for public use are placed at locations that historically become icy and slick during storms, including:

-      North Mesa Road (hill),

-      Quemazon Road (at intersection of North Road),

-      Quemazon Road (near mailboxes),

-      Cheryl Court (between 337 and 375 in shady area), and

-      Other locations as requested by staff or citizens.

During storms, drivers are asked to be alert and courteous to County crews, who will be doing their best to keep the streets open and safe for traveling. Please assist them in this difficult task by yielding to their efforts and keeping a safe distance away to avoid having vehicles struck by flying sand and salt.