As the possibility of winter weather makes driving conditions unpredictable and dangerous, the Texas Department of Transportation reminds drivers to stay off the roads as much as possible and use extreme caution when travel is necessary.
If you must drive, please keep in mind that sleet or freezing rain can make driving and walking extremely hazardous. Roadway conditions motorists could encounter during adverse winter weather include:
- 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 plowed or blowing snow
- 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
- Check highway conditions at DriveTexas.
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.
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