Holiday Season Traffic and Travel Tips

Submitted by Editor on Wed, 11/23/2011 - 3:22pm

By Trooper Chuck Allen
With the end-of-the-year holiday season upon us along with heavy traffic anticipated on the roadways and highways this four-day weekend, the Nevada Highway Patrol would like to share the following travel and traffic-related safety tips for motorists:
If you are making a journey when inclement weather is anticipated, especially over any of the mountain passes, be sure to check the most highways conditions by dialing 511 or by clicking on www.nevadadot.com

Always wear a seat belt and be certain all vehicle occupants are properly restrained
Children under 6 years of age and weighing under 60 pounds must be in an approved car seat
It is prohibited to talk on a cell phone unless a driver is using hands-free technology; this includes reading non-voice communication. We are seeing more motorists violating this law by reading e-mails and texting messages while stopped or stalled in traffic or at a traffic signal.
Beginning this Friday and through the end of the year, expect more motorists on the roadways as they make their holiday purchases
In the Reno area, traffic on southbound US 395 (IR-580) near the Kietzke Lane-South Virginia interchange can back up to the Moana Lane interchange—motorists should pay extra attention to slow moving or stalled traffic in this area
Plan to slow and stop safely at intersections when a traffic signal light cycles to yellow; we see more red light violations this time of year as motorists hurriedly rush to their next destination. A citation for running a red light in the Reno-Sparks area can cost over $200 dollars along with 4 demerit points assessed on one’s driver’s license if convicted.
Be certain the entire intersection is clear before traveling through on a green light. It is also against the law to block an intersection and this practice is seen more frequently during the busy holiday shopping period.

— Writer Chuck Allen is the Public Information Officer for the Nevada Highway Patrol. He can be reached at callen@dps.state.nv.us