DEMING -The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) will be monitoring roadway conditions with law enforcement as a winter weather advisory have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) on Jan. 3, 2024, see attached Situational Awareness Briefing.

The NMDOT has prepared their personnel and equipment in efforts to support the need of law enforcement and emergency responders. The NMDOT will work in conjunction with emergency response as we coordinate our efforts with any possible traffic interferences that we may encounter.

Traffic updates will be posted on the NMDOT traffic advisory website at http://nmroads.com as they are reported and can be retrieved through our automated system at 511 in state, or 1-800-432-4269.

Tips to know:

REDUCE YOUR SPEEDThe best accident prevention on snow and ice is to SLOW DOWN and leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you for emergencies. 

PRACTICE GOOD WINTER DRIVING TECHNIQUESKeep your gas tank full, turn on your head lights, keep your windshield washer fluid full with antifreeze, keep winter driving chains in your vehicle, have a winter survival kit which includes – flashlight, hand warmers packets, first aid supplies, high energy snacks, bottled water, medications and read your owner’s manual for special instructions on driving 4-wheel drive vehicles and vehicles with ABS on snow and ice.

AVOID DRIVING IN A SNOW CLOUDLarge vehicles, such as semi-trailer trucks and snow plows, may produce dense clouds of blowing snow that make it difficult for drivers to see. When drivers encounter snow clouds, they should stay back to avoid the cloud.

PLAN AHEAD AND BE PATIENTDelays are common during bad weather. Leave a little earlier and be patient with delays.

CHECK BEFORE YOU PASSKnow where a snow plow and blade are before trying to pass. On multi-lane highways, the plow can be in your blind spot. Before attempting to pass make sure it is safe. 

PAY ATTENTION TO WEATHER FORCASTS –TRUST THEMWinter storms in New Mexico can become severe quickly, so stay tuned to weather forecasts when planning your trip.

DON’T USE CRUISE CONTROLNever use cruise control when the roads are in slippery conditions. Using your cruise control can reduce your control of the vehicle if your tires begin to skid or slip.

KNOW YOUR CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONSVisit the NMDOT website for current road advisory information at http://nmroads.com , or dial 511 in the state.

WEAR YOUR SEATBELTWear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers also “buckle up”.