SAN ANTONIO – Drivers headed to the Texas panhandle the next few days will run into something not seen often in South Texas: winter road conditions.
The Texas Department of Transportation's Drive Texas website showed snow reported in that area at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday.
The agency offered the following tips for drivers who aren't used to driving on snowy or icy roads.
- Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions
- Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on snow or ice
- Watch carefully for snow removal equipment and stay at least 200 feet back if you are behind a snow plow
- Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas as they tend to freeze first
- If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction then straighten your vehicle
Socially-savvy drivers can check these TxDOT twitter feeds or its Facebook page for updates.
To listen to current information, call 800-452-9292.
Drivers who need non-emergency roadside assistance, can call the Texas Department of Public Safety at 800-525-5555.