Winter visitors returning to the Southwest Valley may know the way to their favorite grocery store, but familiar roads can look different after months of construction.
Scott Johnson, shop foreman at Avondale Toyota, said seasonal residents should check directions and road closures before heading out, even if they have spent years visiting the area.
“The landmarks may have changed,” Johnson said. “So just make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and where you’re going.”
For drivers in Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Avondale and Buckeye, planning ahead is one way to prepare for snowbird season. Johnson and Kelsey Mo, a safety spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Transportation, offered advice for residents and visitors sharing the roads this winter.
Johnson said sun glare can make it difficult to see vehicles ahead, particularly when heading west. He recommended sunglasses and using a sun visor, along with leaving enough space between vehicles.
ADOT’s driver license manual also recommends keeping windows clean to reduce glare, as bright sunlight can affect visibility in the early morning and late afternoon.
On freeways, Johnson suggested using the left lane to pass rather than staying there and that drivers should be mindful of whether other vehicles are passing them on the right.
Mo emphasized that basic safety habits matter regardless of how many seasonal visitors are on the road. She said drivers should obey posted speed limits and minimize distractions.
That's especially important around active work zones, where Mo urged drivers to slow down and pay attention to signs and barricades.
She identified projects at the Loop 101 and Interstate 10 interchange, the I-10 and Jackrabbit Trail interchange in Buckeye and the Loop 303 extension between Van Buren Street and Maricopa County Road 85 in Goodyear.
Those projects can bring lane restrictions or closures. Before leaving, drivers can check current state highway conditions at AZ511.gov.
Cooler weather also calls for a tire pressure check as falling temperatures can lower pressure, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Whether heading out for errands or taking a longer drive, Mo said paying attention helps protect everyone sharing the road.
“Staying alert really goes a long way to help keep not only you, but also everyone around you safe,” Mo said.
By 
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here