By KRWG News
Las Cruces – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) with Law Enforcement throughout southern New Mexico have been monitoring road conditions due to the high winds and winter weather. The highway crews for the NMDOT have been clearing snow and salting icy roadways, while monitoring the high winds.
Currently the District One office for the NMDOT has reported the following road conditions:
NM-159, Cliff area from milepost 0-25 snow packed and icy
NM-78, Cliff area from milepost 0-15 snow packed and icy
NM-169, Magdalena area from milepost 10-23 snowy and icy spots
NM-152 Silver City to Kinston CLOSED
NM-11 Deming to Columbus CLOSED
NM-90 Lordsburg to Silver City CLOSED due to snow and icy conditions
NM-26 Hatch to Deming Difficult Driving Conditions due to blowing dust
US-180 Deming to Hurley from milepost 125-160 CLOSED due to blowing dust and snow
NM-15 and NM-35 Silver City area snow packed and icy
Traffic alerts will be posted on the department's web site at www.nmroads.com and can be retrieved by calling 511. Please reduce your speed, and avoid any roads that are closed at this time.
Winter weather driving tips:
* REDUCE YOUR SPEED
o The best accident prevention on snow and ice is to SLOW DOWN and leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you for emergencies.
* PRACTICE GOOD WINTER DRIVING TECHNIQUES
o Keep your gas tank full, turn on your head lights, keep your windshield washer fluid full with antifreeze, keep winter driving chains in your vehicle, have a winter survival kit which includes - flashlight, hand warmer packets, first aid supplies, high energy snacks and read your owners manual for special instructions on driving 4-wheel drive vehicles and vehicles with ABS on snow and ice.
* AVOID DRIVING INTO A SNOW CLOUD
o Large vehicles, such as semi-trailer trucks and snow plows, may produce dense clouds of blowing snow that make it difficult for drivers to see. When drivers encounter snow clouds, they should stay back to avoid the cloud.
* PLAN AHEAD AND BE PATIENT
o Delays are common during bad weather. Leave a little early and be patient with delays.
* CHECK BEFORE YOU PASS
o Know where a snow plow and blade are before trying to pass. On multi-lane highways, the plow can be in your blind spot. Before attempting to pass make sure it is safe.
* PAY ATTENTION TO WEATHER FORCASTS - TRUST THEM
o Winter storms in New Mexico can become severe very quickly, so stay tuned to weather forecasts when planning your trip.
* DON'T USE CRUISE CONTROL
o Never use cruise control when the roads are in slippery conditions. Using your cruise control can reduce your control of the vehicle if your tires begin to skid or slip.
* KNOW YOUR CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS
o Visit the NMDOT website for current road advisory information at www.nmroads.com, or dial 511.
* WEAR YOUR SEATBELT
o Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers also "buckle up."