Police, WYDOT advise safe winter driving

A number of vehicle crashes occurring in Sweetwater County have resulted in law enforcement telling residents to be cautious while driving.

In Green River, officers responded to a number of crashes occurring throughout the city during the last week. Det. Luke Benson said the city experienced one of the larger snowfalls of the year last week, which resulted in the police department calling for help from the city's streets department to clear snow.

However, Benson also reminded residents to drive according to the weather conditions, saying the speed limit might be too fast in some cases.

"If you're sliding around at that speed, slow it down," Benson said.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is also warning residents about driving for conditions, advising residents to follow the posted speed on WYDOt's variable speed limit signs along Interstate 80. Numerous crashes have also occurred along I-80 in the past week due to winter conditions.

"Speed limits are lowered in response to current weather and road conditions. In doing so, WYDOT is trying to reduce crashes, save lives, and keep traffic moving on the highway so we don't have to close it for extended periods of time. Drivers need to be aware that these variable speeds are not just suggestions, but law. Compliance with posted speeds, even variable speeds, can and will be enforced by patrol units," WYDOT Public Relations Specialist Stephanie Harsha said in a press release.

The variable limits are often reduced when conditions like blowing snow, reduced visibility, ice or crashes occur on the interstate. The lower speeds are temporary and are lifted when conditions improve.

WYDOT also reminds drivers that the variable speed limits are the enforced limits and drivers following the usual 75 or 80 mph limits when reduced speeds are applied can be ticketed by the Wyoming Highway Patrol.