In preparation for the winter storm expected to begin Feb. 2, a full-contingent of trucks will go on snow-shift in all areas west, south and east of the Denver metropolitan area. Plows, liquid de-icing and sand trucks will be treating all state highways when the storm hits – now predicted to be this afternoon. Products to be used are Apex, Sand/Slicer and Ice Slicer. Snow shift denotes a 12-hour on/12-hour off work time.

Areas west & southwest of Denver:

CDOT maintenance crews will begin snow-shift at noon today – working 12 hour shifts. (26 trucks around the clock)

In Summit and western Clear Creek counties – crews are already on snow-shift – working 12-hour shifts. (12 trucks around the clock)

Areas east of Denver – to the Kansas state line:

Snow-shift begins at 8 tonight. Includes Interstate 70 and all other state highways across the eastern plains. (21 trucks daytime/15 trucks nighttime.)

Drivers can access current information on road and weather conditions by viewing the www.cotrip.org Web site or by calling 511. Up-to-date information also is available by subscribing for e-mail or text messages. Sign up by visiting www.coloradodot.info, clicking the cell-phone icon in the upper right corner and checking geographic areas of interest. It is free of charge but standard text message rates do apply. Other winter travel tips include:

Logging onto CDOT’s Winter Driving web page at: www.coloradodot.info/travel/winter-driving for additional information.

Not passing plow trucks on the right. Also, a plow blade may be extended, making it unsafe. Drive slowly and let the plow clear the road for you.

Always keeping the top half of your gas tank full. It can give you better traction and gives you a bigger margin of error if you get stuck and have to keep the engine running periodically to keep warm.

If you are stuck in a serious storm, do not leave your car. Run the engine periodically and wait for help. Make sure the tailpipe is clear of snow and ice.

Carrying blankets, water, a flashlight, a shovel, some nutrition bars or other food for sustenance. Winterize your vehicle's safety kit by including extra blankets, sand to help gain traction in the event you become stuck on ice or snow, jumper cables, an ice scraper and lock de-icer.

Remembering 4-wheel drive does not mean 4-wheel stop. A 4-wheel drive vehicle will not stop any better in icy conditions, especially if you have inadequate snow tires.

Being sure of your route. Don't go exploring in the back-country without some local knowledge, especially during a storm or when one is bearing down anywhere near your location.

Being sure you have good tires. The Colorado State Patrol recommends at least one-eighth of an inch tread depth. Chain restrictions in Colorado are most often put into effect for commercial vehicles (semi-trailer trucks) and do not usually affect passenger vehicles.

When visibility is poor or there are whiteout conditions, not driving faster than conditions allow. High speeds can lead to chain reaction accidents. Also remember you can't see around mountain curves and corners either.

Conducting a pre-trip vehicle inspection, leaving extra space between your automobile and others on the road, and never drinking and driving. And, of course, always buckling up.