Winter road trips: planning stops in snow and ice

Winter turns a routine drive into one that needs a plan. Stops matter more, because the gaps between them can feel a lot longer in a storm.

#Check the road before you leave

State transportation departments post road conditions and closures online and through 511 phone lines. Check them before you set out and again at your breaks. Mountain passes and high plains interstates close more often than you'd expect.

#Keep the tank at least half full

A full tank gives you heat if you're stuck in a closure or a long backup, and it keeps you from hunting for fuel at a rural exit in bad weather. Fill up at half, not at the warning light.

#Stop more often, not less

Driving in snow takes more concentration, and that tires you faster. Plan breaks every hour or two instead of pushing for the next big town.

#Favor big, busy stops

Large travel centers and truck stops plow their lots early, keep their lights on, and usually stay open through storms. A small station at a quiet exit may close early or be hard to get into.

#Rest area ramps can be rough

Rest area ramps and lots are sometimes cleared after the highway itself. If the ramp looks unplowed, skip it and take the next exit with services.

#Know when to stop for the night

If visibility drops, traffic slows to a crawl, or the road is closing ahead, find a hotel or a well-lit travel center and wait it out. Trucks parked along the ramps are often a sign the road ahead is bad.

#Pack for a delay

Keep a blanket, water, snacks, a phone charger, an ice scraper, and a small shovel in the car. If you're stuck, stay with the vehicle and keep the tailpipe clear of snow when the engine is running.

#Let the app watch the road

Best Exit's drive screen shows the best stop ahead as you drive, picked for the restroom you use and what you need, and can say it out loud so you don't have to look. After you stop, it asks how the restroom was, so the next driver knows.

How was your stop? Rate the restroom in about ten seconds. Rate

Stopped here? Rate the restroom.

Reviews come from the Best Exit iPhone app. It asks right after you stop, so scores come from people who were just there.

iPhone app coming soon