Start preparing for winter driving before snow, ice arrive

OLYMPIA - The falling leaves and colder weather can mean only one thing - snow and ice are just around the corner. With the changing seasons, now is the perfect time for travelers to shift their focus towards winter driving.

The Washington State Department of Transportation urges all travelers to start preparing themselves and their vehicles well before the threat of snow and ice kicks into high gear. Drivers can check out WSDOT's winter driving web page<http://www.wsdot.com/winter/> for tips and information. WSDOT also asks travelers to always "know before you go" and get the most up-to-date roadway information before heading out.

"Our crews are ready for winter and work hard to keep roads clear of snow and ice," said WSDOT Maintenance Operations Manager James Morin. "But we also need the public's help in being prepared for winter weather. Most of the pass closures we see are due to spin outs or crashes from a vehicle traveling too fast or not having proper winter driving equipment."

To check conditions and prepare for adverse weather:

Download the WSDOT mobile
app<https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle/products/>.