Its A White Christmas For Reno, Drive Safe

Today, we are experiencing our first big winter storm in the Reno-Tahoe area. The snowfall should give us a nice snow-pack for a beautiful white Christmas next week.

One of the advantages of living in America ’s Adventure Place is our four-season weather. Our mild climate allows the Greater Reno area to experience all the advantages of each season without the extremes (cold or hot) that other areas in the nation have. The current snow storm is expected to deliver about two feet of snow to the local mountains and ski resorts, making skiers happy.

The disadvantage of living in an area which experiences snow storms is driving in it. The City of Reno ’s road maintenance crews do a great job of keeping the roads clean and deiced, but there is a limit to what they can do in the middle of a big storm. As drivers, we must all remember to adapt to the driving conditions, slow down and drive carefully.

Here are a few safe driving tips:

• If you get in trouble and breakdown in a snowstorm, put your hood up. This is a signal to other drivers that you are in need of assistance.
• Snow plows can be irritating, but they are there for your safety. It is recommended to keep eight car lengths between you and the plow. Snow plows are slow so please remember to be patient and don’t try to pass them.
• Keep tires at the recommended pressure for the tire size. Don’t believe any of the “old wives tales” about over or under inflating your tires. The old wives didn’t drive cars. They drove covered wagons.
• Carry kitty liter in your car. If you would have the misfortune to get stuck in the snow or ice, kitty litter may be able to help you get unstuck. Kitty litter placed around the tires may provide enough traction to free your car (rubber mats also work). Be patient. Do not push your “pedal to the metal” as this will only cause you more problems.
• Do not slam on your brakes. Sometimes breaking quickly is a must. However, remember that if you slam on your breaks, you increase your chances of going into a skid or hydro-planing. Give yourself a break. Leave a little early; allowing for a slower drive. Also, leave some extra distance between you and the car in front of you.
• Driving with bright lights during snowfall will cause your visibility to diminish, not increase

Be safe everyone and enjoy your beautiful white Christmas in Reno.

Weather Related Sites:

Statewide Road ConditionsDownload City of Reno Winter Preparedness Guide

City of Reno Snow and Ice Control Plan

Washoe County Snow and Ice Control Plan