Temperatures around the Valley figure to be beautiful this weekend, but with the lure of snowy fun forecasted in the high country, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is reminding motorists to take care when traveling north for a three-day President’s Day Weekend.

Too often a vehicle full of people heading to play in the snow winds up parked on the shoulder of a state highway or even Interstate 17 rather than pulled safely into a designated parking area well off the road, ADOT cautions. This creates a hazard for more than just the occupants.

Shoulders are for emergencies only and that parking on them to play in the snow is hazardous in a number of ways:

• Other drivers may be distracted by your vehicle.
• Other drivers may pull over as well to play in the snow, compounding the problem.
• Your vehicle may interfere with first responders who need to use the shoulder.
• Plows can throw snow and ice far off highways.
• It’s much safer to re-enter highways from on-ramps and other designated entrances.

Locations of designated snow-play areas are available at FlagstaffArizona.org (follow the Winter Recreation Map link). There’s also a hotline at 844-256-SNOW.

Also, expect to spend extended time in your vehicle getting to and from snow play areas as lots of people typically head north after it snows.

It’s also important to leave prepared before heading north to play in the snow. ADOT’s suggestions of items to have in a vehicle include warm clothing and blankets, a fully charged mobile phone and charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, drinking water, healthy snacks, a first-aid kit and necessary medications. Get plenty of rest, plan your route and take frequent breaks from driving.

Make sure your gas tank is at least half to three-quarters full at all times, and ensure that your wipers, window defroster, headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals work.

Snowy roads will be monitored by ADOT’s 400 operators and 200 plows, ADOT spokesperson Laurie Merrill said Friday, adding that plow drivers stand ready to work 12-hour shifts in 45-foot long, 30-ton machines, which cost an average of $320,000.

To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information website at az511.gov or call 511. ADOT’s Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (/AZDOT) are also sources of information.

Get more safety tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.