Traveling by Car

Winter storms can develop quickly across Wyoming, especially in mountainous areas. Make sure your vehicle is in proper working order, including wiper blades, headlights, taillights and tires. If you’re driving a rental, take the time to familiarize yourself with how to properly work the lights, hazards, wiper fluid and other parts of the vehicle.

It is common for highways to close in the winter due to storms, especially along the east-west Interstate 80, where winter conditions often cause ground blizzards and whiteout conditions. Be prepared to shift your plans and wait out storms if you encounter temporary winter road closures or hazardous driving conditions.

Be prepared for winter travel by keeping certain items in your vehicle like a snow brush, ice scraper, blankets and first aid kit. You can find a full list of items and more on winter driving tips through this WYDOT resource.

Always check weather conditions along your route before leaving by dialing 511 or going to the 511 Travel Information page. If you do get caught in a winter storm, slow down and stay alert.

Snowplows are vital to keeping Wyoming roads clear of snow and ice but move slowly compared to other traffic. Be patient and give plows plenty of room to work; the road behind the plow is safer than the unplowed sections ahead of it. See a big cloud of snow ahead? Look out – it may be a plow at work! Never pass a plow on the right, it may be using its wing plow attachment. Learn more about snowplows here.

Wyoming’s cold, snowy weather can increase wildlife-vehicle collisions. Deep snow can alter daily travel patterns for deer, elk and antelope, where wildlife will find themselves on roadways. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department urge motorists to stay alert for wildlife on the road.

Drivers are encouraged to:

• Be as aware as possible while driving
• Use high beams to see more of the road
• Scan across the road and rights of way frequently
• Watch for eyeshine in the headlights
• Ask passengers to help watch for wildlife
• Wildlife is attracted to the road if salt is used as a deicer and during spring green up. 
• Avoid herding wildlife off the road with your car. If there is a herd, creep up slowly until they disperse. You can honk to encourage them. If they don’t budge, contact Game and Fish.