New Mexico Department of Transportation crews are prepared to clear the roads and highways as the state begins to experience the winter weather season. Last year, NMDOT crews removed snow and ice from over a million pass miles.

“Our crews across the state are ready to respond to winter weather so we can keep the traveling public safe,” said NMDOT Secretary Tom Church. “If you must get behind the wheel during winter weather conditions please take the necessary precautions and give our crews plenty of room to do their job. We want everyone to make it home safely to their families this season.”

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

Throughout the state, NMDOT has 96 graders, 161 loaders, 9 snow blower trucks, and 417 dump trucks with plows and salt spreaders. The Department also has about 49,000 tons of salt and about 16,000 tons of ice slicer ready to help clear the roads.

Please remember these safe winter driving tips:

• Wear your seatbelt.
• 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.
• Ensure that your vehicles are prepared for winter driving by:
  • Making sure your tires are properly inflated.
  • Never mixing radial tires with other tire types.

“Always pay attention and use caution when you get on the road during winter weather. It could save
your life or someone else’s life,” said Deputy Secretary Anthony Lujan. “And check NMRoads before you
leave – it can help you avoid a dangerous situation.”

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