White out conditions have made travel in El Paso County today very treacherous. The Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management recommends not traveling until the March blizzard is over.

Here are some tips for winter travel and stranded motorists:

FOR STRANDED MOTORISTS …

  1. Run the engine 10 minutes per hour to warm the vehicle.
  2. Open a window about 1 inch while the engine is running.
  3. Check the exhaust pipe routinely to ensure it is clear of snow.
  4. Conserve your cell phone battery for emergency use only.
  5. Call back with an update every hour until help arrives.
  6. Use whatever is available in the vehicle to keep warm.
  7. Do not leave your vehicle.
  8. Stay with your vehicle until help arrives.

SAFETY FIRST WHEN TRAVELING DURING WINTER WEATHER …

  1. Know your abilities and drive for the conditions (slowing down will help ensure that you get to your family or destination safely).
  2. Snowplows and emergency vehicles are working to keep you safe. Give them plenty of space both in front and behind to avoid accidents and/or damage,
  3. If you must go out, be prepared. And if there is any question about safety, the safest place to be is at home.
  4. You may be THE safest and most competent driver, but you cannot drive for the other vehicles on the road. Remain defensive and pay attention what others are doing.
  5. The diverse terrain in our county can mean the conditions at your home may be very different from those at your destination or on the way to your destination.
  6. BE PATIENT AND COURTEOUS TO YOUR FELLOW DRIVERS, SO EVERYONE REMAINS SAFE