A fender bender in Juab County; one of 224 statewide (Utah Highway Patrol)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has some tips for Utah drivers, as summer turns to fall, and fall to winter.
“You could see snow even down here in the valleys next week. That’s something that people need to pay attention to and really now is the time to make sure that your vehicle is equipped and you’re ready to drive,” said John Gleason, spokesman for UDOT.
Today, most of Utah will see a lot of rain. Up to an inch-and-a-half in some areas according to KSL meteorologist Grant Weyman. And that means drivers could hydroplane if they don’t have enough tread on their tires or are driving too fast for the road conditions.
But, snow is also expected in higher elevations. In fact, Gleason said Guardsman Pass, which is a popular scenic route between Brighton and Park City, will close Friday night due to the expected winter conditions.
Gleason said the pass should reopen sometime Sunday once the road is clear. However, it will close permanently for the winter season within the next month or so.
“The storms that are in the forecast right now, really mark a change in the weather that we’ve been seeing,” said Gleason.
A colder storm is heading our way for Monday and Tuesday. That one could bring snow to the valley floors along the Wasatch Front.
He is reminding people to have the fluids in the vehicles topped off, especially the windshield fluid.
“Anytime there’s rain, snow, or slush, visibility is one of the first things that goes by the wayside. So, you also need to slow down your speeds.”
And get new windshield wipers if they’re needed.
Gleason recommends keeping extra food and a warm blanket in your vehicle during the winter months. Because you never know when you may get stuck.
Above all else, check your tires.
“Well, with rain and snow, you want to make sure that you have enough tread on your tires. That you’re not going to hydroplane and that you’re going to be able to have enough traction driving in in the snow that we see down here on the roads.”
Now’s the perfect time to get your vehicle into a mechanic and get snow tires put on, Gleason said.