WINTER READY WINTER 2022/2023
PREPARING FOR WINTER WEATHER
Maintenance crews in the 17 counties (Armstrong, Carson, Dallam, Deaf Smith,
Gray, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb,Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham,
Potter, Randall, Roberts and Sherman) of TxDOT's Amarillo District begin winter
weather preparation in late summer/early fall each year. This includes preparing
equipment, supplies, and staff. If winter weather is in the forecast and conditions
Auto Safety Checklist warrant it, crews pretreat roadways with brine. Then, once the storm approaches,
crews patrol roads throughout the event and treat as needed — whether it's plowing,
Use this handy guide to make
sanding, grading, or implementating other snow and ice removal tactics. TxDOT's
sure your vehicle is in top
priorities for snow and ice operations are:
winter condition:
• Ignition • Roadways that effect the movement of interstate commerce
• Battery • Roadways of high priority, locally or regionally
• Head and tail lights • Bridge decks, sharp curves, steep grades, intersections and access points
• Brakes • Routes near hospitals, emergency facilities and schools
• Wiper blades
• Antifreeze level Prioritizing response helps first responders, as well as utility companies, to reach
• Fuel and exhaust systems those in need. While TxDOT is prepared, it is equally important for drivers to be
• Heater/Defroster prepared:
• Tires
• Check area weather conditions before starting a trip.
• Winterize vehicles before traveling during adverse weather. Check fuel,
tire conditions, oil and antifreeze levels. Make sure heater, brakes and
Winter Survival Kit windshield wipers are working properly.
Keep the following items in • Carry extra warm coats, gloves, and boots in case you get stranded.
your vehicle: • Be patient. Your trip time – including short commutes to work – could
increase when adverse weather conditions exist. Also, keep to the main
• Flares roads and avoid taking roads that may not have been plowed.
• Blankets • Use caution when driving over bridges and overpasses, as temperatures can
• Warm clothes be colder on elevated surfaces.
• Shovel and scraper • Reduce speed and drive with caution. A vehicle needs more distance to stop
• Flashlight and batteries on a slick roadway. Do not apply the brakes suddenly and do not use cruise
• Candles control, so that you can better maintain control if you encounter slippery
• Sterno flame roads.
• Lighter or matches • Slow down when approaching emergency or maintenance vehicles, especially
• First-aid kit when their flashing lights are on. The law requires you to maintain a distance
• Booster cable of at least 200 feet when approaching a snow plow, and never pass on the
• Chain/tow strap right. Visibility can also be reduced during winter weather conditions.
• Non-perishable food
• Water Check road conditions at www.DriveTexas.org or call 800-452-9292
before heading out to avoid encountering potentially hazardous conditions
As always, for the safety of you, other drivers, our maintenance crews,
#DontCrowdThePlow.
FOR DRIVERS: PREPARE IMPORTANT NUMBERS
In a life-threatening emergency,
• Before traveling in hazardous weather, drivers should plan their please call 9-1-1.
route and check weather reports at www.DriveTexas.org or by Texas Road Conditions:
calling 800-452-9292. They should be familiar with directions 800-452-9292
ahead of time and let others know their route and expected
New Mexico Road Conditions:
arrival time. 800-432-4269
• Drivers should also check their vehicle’s battery, tires and Oklahoma Road Conditions:
windshield wipers as well as ensure the vehicle has ample fuel 405-425-2385
to account for travel delays.
• Drivers should always use caution when driving on icy or slick
roads. Remember, bridges and overpasses are the first to freeze.
• Drivers should assemble an emergency roadside kit. Travel with
items including a first-aid kit, booster cables, abrasive materials
(sand or cat litter), flashlights, warm clothes, snacks and water.
• Traveling with chains, tow straps, shovels and ice scrapers also
prepares drivers to face winter weather elements.
FOR DRIVERS: PROTECT
• In any situation, drivers can protect themselves by wearing their
seat belts and ensuring everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.
• Drivers should also never attempt to travel when fatigued or
while under the influence of alcohol. Get plenty of rest before
hitting the road. And remember, if you’re planning to drink, find
a sober ride before heading out.
FOR DRIVERS: PREVENT
• Drivers should practice patience and share the road with
others. Build in extra time to reach your destination to account
for travel delays.
• Be sure to reduce your speed, increase your distance between
other vehicles to at least three times the normal following
distance, and drive with caution.
• Remember to keep a safe distance away from snowplows and
other TxDOT vehicles as they work to treat and clear roadways.
• Stay off cruise control. Cruise control can quickly turn into
“lose control” if you hit black ice or other areas that affect your
vehicle’s traction.
• 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.
• Move over a lane to create a safe margin of space when passing
a vehicle on the side of the road with flashing lights, including tow
trucks, disabled vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, emergency
vehicles and TxDOT vehicles.
• And if you don’t have to travel, stay home.
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Amarillo District
FOR MEDIA: TELEVISION PIO CONTACTS
• If possible, requests to participate in live shots during morning TxDOT – Amarillo
shows should be made 24 hours in advance. Sonja Gross
• Please coordinate B-roll opportunities through your TxDOT
[email protected] Public Information Officer and understand that in inclement (806) 356-3256
weather, the safety of the traveling public is our maintenance District Profile
crews' first priority. TxDOT – Childress
• Dress appropriately. Make sure your head (and ears) have proper Ginger Wilson
coverage. Gloves, scarves, heavy/long coats and waterproof
[email protected] boots are always a good idea. You may also consider purchasing (940) 937-7288
ice cleats. Wear bright, florescent clothing to be seen. District Profile
FOR MEDIA: RADIO TxDOT – Lubbock
• Phone interviews are always welcomed. Dianah Ascencio
• Consider scheduling your Public Information Officer for community
[email protected] affairs programming. Your PIO can provide updates on area road (806) 748-4472
conditions, provide winter weather driving tips and much more. District Profile
• Consider running PSAs before, during, and after winter weather
events, reminding drivers to steer clear of TxDOT winter weather OTHER RESOURCES
operations. National Weather Service - Amarillo
FOR MEDIA: NEWSPAPER Amarillo Police Department
Department of Public Safety
• Phone and email interviews are always welcomed.
Potter County Sheriff's Office
• Coordinate photo and video opportunties through your Public Randall County Sheriff's Office
Information Officer.
Amarillo OEM
City of Childress
National Weather Service - Lubbock
Lubbock Police Department
Lubbock County Sheriff's Office
Lubbock OEM
American Red Cross
Storm Prediction Center
Ready.gov
@TxDOT
@TxDOTAmarillo TxDOT
@TxDOTChildress TxDOTAmarillo
@TxDOTLubbock
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Amarillo District
17 Counties
17,848 Sq. Miles
9,503 Lane Miles
378 Employees
Childress District
13 Counties
11,193 Sq. Miles
5,552 Lane Miles
205 Employees
Lubbock District
17 Counties
15,861 Sq. Miles
12,366 Lane Miles
363 Employees
