Idaho Transportation Department offers winter driving tips and classes

With winter conditions incoming across Idaho, the Idaho Transportation Department is urging motorists to take extra precautions on the roads and prepare their vehicles for cold-weather travel.

Plan Ahead and Stay Informed

Drivers are encouraged to allow extra time for travel and to slow down in hazardous conditions. ITD reminds everyone to give snowplows plenty of space to operate safely and recommends using Idaho 511 to check road conditions daily before heading out.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Proper preparation can make a big difference in winter driving. ITD suggests checking tires and using snow or winter tires if possible. Additionally, a well-stocked emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Recommended items include:

Ice scraperCollapsible shovelWarm clothing (coat, boots, gloves)FlashlightJumper cables or a phone chargerWater, snacks, and a blanketChains

Safe Winter Driving Practices

ITD offers the following tips for safe driving during icy and snowy conditions:

Clear windows of ice and snow before driving. Start the vehicle’s defrost system well in advance.Reduce your speed significantly—speed limits are for ideal conditions.Keep a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid collisions.Stay calm and avoid abrupt steering or braking on icy roads.Avoid using cruise control, which can lead to loss of control on slick surfaces.Obey road closures and detour signs. Attempting to bypass closures endangers both drivers and road crews while delaying efforts to reopen roads.

Respect Snowplows

Drivers are reminded to share the road responsibly with snowplows. Maintain a safe following distance, avoid passing plows, and allow them to clear the way. Last winter, 17 plow strikes occurred in Idaho, primarily caused by drivers attempting unsafe passes.

Stay Informed

Road conditions are updated multiple times daily on 511.idaho.gov or the Idaho 511 app, which also features live camera feeds from key roadways.

Winter Driving Classes

For those new to driving in winter conditions, ITD and Idaho State Patrol are offering Winter Driving Classes. The next session is scheduled for Dec. 7 in Coeur d’Alene. More information is available on the ITD website HERE.

By planning ahead and following these guidelines, Idaho motorists can stay safe and help keep roads clear and open this winter.