Holiday Season Traffic and Travel Tips from Nevada Highway Patrol
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.