NMDOT says it’s prepared for winter road-clearing

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Updated Oct 23, 2017

New Mexico Highway Welcome SignThe New Mexico Department of Transportation says its crews are ready to clear the roads and highways as the winter weather season begins.

“Crews have been preparing their salt and sand spreaders, graders and snow plows for months,” the MDOT says. “The districts are also constantly monitoring weather reports and ready to respond as soon as they are called.”

The NMDOT has 96 graders, 161 loaders, nine snow blower trucks, and 417 dump trucks with plows and salt spreaders. It also has about 49,000 tons of salt and about 16,000 tons of ice slicer on hand.

Last year, NMDOT says, it removed snow and ice from over 1 million pass miles.

Motorists can check nmroads.com or download the NMRoads app for updates on road conditions and closures. NMRoads is updated 24 hours a day and linked to the 511 road condition hotline.

How to stay safe

NMDOT offers these winter driving tips:

  • Wear your seat belt.
  • Slow down and leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
  • Use brakes carefully and remember that it takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
  • If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
  • Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface such as wet, ice and sand.
  • Always look and steer where you want to go.
  • Don’t crowd the snow plow. Please stay at least 50 feet behind the plow. Be patient and give the driver plenty of room to do the job.
  • Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas since they are likely to freeze first and stay frozen the longest.
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
  • Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
  • Never mix radial tires with other tire types.