Hazardous Weather Safety Tips

Western Washington winter driving can be challenging. We've assembled the following safety tips to help you get where you are going as safely and securely as possible. But, please remember, if you can stay put during a hazardous event, that is the best place to be.

Snow and Ice

For specific Department procedure, our policy is available here.

• Drive for conditions – slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking in winter conditions.
• Use your headlights.
• Don’t use cruise control.
• Four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles will not stop or steer better in icy conditions.
• Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. And remember, big trucks take longer to stop.
• Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady spots.
• Brush the snow off your vehicle, especially your lights, before you drive. It makes you more visible plus snow and ice flying off a vehicle can be dangerous to other drivers.
• If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay behind it until it is safe to pass. Remember that a snowplow driver has a limited field of vision. Stay back (15 car lengths) until you’re sure it is safe to pass or until the plow pulls off the road.
• Slow down and be extra cautious near the chain-up and removal areas. There are often people out of their vehicles moving around.
  

Floods

• If you can, simply avoid flooded areas — especially those with rapid water flow. Keep things safe and simple: reschedule your plans if you're aware of flooding in the area.
• If flooding occurs when you're on the road, stay on high ground. Experts also advise against driving in deep water, especially when the water could be fast-moving or the depth is not known.
• If your vehicle stalls, DO NOT attempt to restart it, as your engine may be damaged. Leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly when threatening conditions exist.

Windstorms

• If traffic lights are out, treat the intersection as a 4-way stop.
• Minimize driving to conserve fuel. Gas station pumps do not work during power outages.
• Do not attempt to move downed power lines.
• Do not attempt to move debris which may be crossing downed power lines.