The best thing to do when the roads are icy is just stay off of them. But, if you have to get out, then check out these driving tips and road conditions hotline before you travel.

What to Expect With Bad Road Conditions

  • Loss of pavement friction due to wet, snow-covered or icy conditions
  • Restricted visibility due to fog, falling rain or vehicle spray
  • Lane obstruction due to standing water or ice
  • Infrastructure damage (such as a washed-out road)

Winter Driving Safety Tips

  • Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions
  • Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on snow or ice
  • Watch carefully for snow removal equipment and stay at least 200 feet back if you are behind a snow plow
  • Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas as they tend to freeze first
  • If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction then straighten your vehicle

For additional road safety preparedness information and tips, download the TxDOT Safety Guide for Winter Travel.

Highway Road Conditions Hotline

Call (800) 452-9292 for current information. For non-emergency roadside assistance, motorists can call the Texas Department of Public Safety at (800) 525-5555.

Social Media

Follow the TxDOT Twitter feeds or TxDOT's Facebook page for more road information.

(via TxDOT)

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