Snow and Wyoming go hand in hand. Long-time Wyomingites know how to handle the snow when driving a motor vehicles, but those from out of state might be less familiar with how to keep themselves safe on the road.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) goes to significant lengths to keep the roads clear in the first place, using a variety of tools and large equipment to clear the roads of snow and ice in order to prevent crashes and other incidents during inclement weather.
Typically, a snowplow simply pushes the snow off the roads. There is a variety of larger equipment used to clear roadways after particularly heavy snowfalls, the V-plow. The V-plow attaches to a motor grader to punch a hole in the snow to make way for the snowplow. For even heavier snowfalls, the rotary snow blower is able to clear up to eight feet of snow at a time also making the snow plows job easier.
“If the snowfall is lighter and the snow plow can keep up with the storm and the rate of snowfall, chemicals are used to melt snow pack or ice that has built up,” said Cliff Spoonemore, WYDOT field operations maintenance staff engineer. “This is called de-icing and is usually a part of the cleanup operation to help regain the operation of the roadway to safe operating conditions.”
Even with WYDOT doing its best to keep roads clear and safe for anyone traveling in Wyoming, drivers should take precautions.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol has a list of items for drivers to keep in their vehicles for anyone traveling the potentially snowy roads in Wyoming. This includes:
- Food and water
- Blanket, extra gloves and boots
- Flashlight
- First-aid kit
- Fully charged electronics
- Full tank of gas
Getting stranded is a possibility when civilization is sparse on Wyoming roads. In hazardous conditions the time it takes for help to arrive could be longer than normally anticipated. That’s part of the reason why keeping food in the vehicle is a good idea whether that is crackers or a full sandwich.
In the event of getting stranded extra warmth is a necessity. Being prepared with extra layers can help keep out the chill of dropping temperature. A flashlight and first-aid kit is good to keep around for injuries that might occur in the event of a crash or incident.
Electronics are the only way to get in touch with somebody for help, unless another driver passes by and stops. Keeping electronics fully charged will help get in touch with someone to come assist with an accident or vehicle problems.
Lastly, a full tank of gas is the most important. With a full tank of gas the car may stay running for longer periods of time to keep heat going.
