UHP and UDOT provide advice on how to keep safe on slippery, snowy roadways

Salt Lake City, Utah – State officials are issuing some safety cautions for winter traffic conditions after snowfall fell on Saturday morning in the region.

According to Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Brandon Alsop, “a lot of accidents that we have could be avoided if you just slow down and keep a lot of space between you and the car in front of you.” “If the temperature is near freezing, that’s when black ice does occur.”

Even though the winter has been mild thus far, it appears that slippery driving conditions may persist.

The Utah Department of Transportation’s public relations director, John Gleason, stated, “We could see some slick driving conditions due to some storms that are coming up.”

Roads are slick in several places due to the snow, and UHP advises drivers to reduce their speed.
“The most important thing with black ice is that if you do feel yourself starting to slide, you’ll want to immediately take your foot off the gas pedal,” Alsop stated.

UHP urges drivers to apply the brakes when they go on the road.

“Avoid the temptation to apply the brakes forcefully. You can lose more control or begin to slide or skid much more as a result of this,” Alsop added.

According to UDOT, some streets might freeze over first. “The bridges and the overpasses are the areas that will slick up a little bit quicker than the rest of the road, just because there’s air going underneath the bridge and it can freeze much quicker,” stated Gleason.

Turn toward your destination if the vehicle is skidding. Even when the roads appear to be dry, remain aware of potential hazards.

“If you see another car sliding in front of you or a car that’s already slid off the side of the road, that’d be a good indicator to slow down,” According to Alsop.

People should anticipate for longer travel times and drive carefully as winter weather continues to develop.

“We’ve had a light winter so far, but it looks like we’ll be driving in those conditions again very soon and our crews will be out there doing everything that they can to make the roads safe,” stated Gleason.