Blizzard driving safety tips from the National Weather Service
The National Weather Service has outlined steps drivers should take if they become caught in a blizzard in New Mexico. Some parts of the state have begun to see near-blizzard-like conditions as colder weather moves in, according to the agency.
Blizzards occur when a combination of snow and wind produces low visibility. Severe cold and heavy snowfall are often associated with blizzards but are not required. Wind can pick up snow that has already fallen, creating a lack of visibility and, thus, a blizzard. What feels like colder-than-normal temperatures during a blizzard can often be wind chill, the National Weather Service said.
The agency defines a blizzard as having winds at or over 35 miles per hour, visibility at less than one-quarter of a mile, and lasting for three or more hours.
In New Mexico, the northeast plains and northeast highlands are the most blizzard-prone areas, according to the National Weather Service.
Low visibility can lead to car crashes, pipes can freeze, and wind can cause power outages, the agency said.
Drivers caught in a blizzard should wear their seatbelt to ensure that everyone inside the vehicle is safe if a crash occurs.
Take it slow when driving on snow and ice, and slow down to avoid crashing into other cars or things nearby.
Stay far back from other cars in case tires slip while stopping.
Never use cruise control when the roads are slick. It can reduce control of the vehicle if tires begin to skid or slip.
If visibility gets bad, pull over and wait out the storm. Turn off tail and brake lights so that other cars don’t mistakenly follow, and put on the parking brake.
Low visibility can be disorienting, so it is safest to stay in your vehicle during a blizzard. The National Weather Service advises running the motor for about 10 minutes each hour to stay warm and to open the window a bit each time you run the motor to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Turn on the dome light when running the engine and tie a brightly-colored cloth to the outside of the car to be visible to rescuers.
