Safe Winter Driving in Colorado
Safe Winter Driving in Colorado
If you have lived in Colorado for any length of time, you know that winters around here can be treacherous. Drivers must prepare for the start of the season and the arrival of the next major storm. Snow winter roads cause tons of accidents in the state each year. It's especially vital to educate yourself if you've recently moved from an area where winter storms are uncommon. The suggestions below will assist you in avoiding an accident and staying safe this winter.
How to drive through mountains during winter in Colorado
Mountains are everywhere you turn here, so let's start by discussing the fundamentals of mountain driving etiquette. Most importantly, if you are uncomfortable, it's okay to go slow. However, if you're driving slowly and have a long line of cars behind you, kindly pull over to the side to allow faster traffic to pass. This can help ease stress while driving and avoid potentially dangerous passing scenarios for others behind you. When driving down a mountain road, stay to the right unless you're passing slower-moving traffic.
Be prepared for the unexpected
Winters in Colorado are always unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared for anything. Try always to have a full tank of fuel, as winter weather crashes can cause long delays on highways and interstates, leaving you stranded in your car for hours. Nothing is more annoying than running out of gas and switching off your car. However, you should also be ready for the long haul, which is why it's a good idea to have a blanket, water, gloves, and caps for the entire family, in case you have to wait in a cold car for several hours before being rescued or towed. A basic first-aid kit is also a good idea to have, no matter what time of year it is.
Follow Traction laws
Colorado Department of Transportation has specific traction laws that must be followed. When a winter storm warning is issued, particular rules take effect, and you must have one of the following in your vehicle chains, a 4WD car or an AWD car. In addition, your vehicle's tires must be suited for mud, snow, or winter and have at least a 3/16'' tread depth. The fines can be severe if you ignore the traction law and wind up impeding traffic. If traffic movement is obstructed due to your negligence, you could be fined up to $650. Visit the CDOT Winter Driving page for further information and CDOT winter driving recommendations.
Let snowplows do their job
We have all been stuck behind a snowplow when we are trying to get to work. Yes, it is aggravating, but remember that passing a snowplow is dangerous and illegal in some cases. In Colorado, passing multiple snow plows in an Echelon formation is unlawful. Plus, your vision can become blurred due to the snow they kick up. You can't observe the road conditions as you drive by, which could include slippery patches. Snow ridges can also form across lanes, causing your car to spin out.
Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram wants to help
Suppose you would like to upgrade your vehicle to a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ram 1500, or Grand Wagoneer to help you get through another Colorado winter, head to Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. In that case, we are conveniently located in Longmont, Colorado. Our car dealership has a great selection of new and used four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive trucks, vans, and SUVs. We don't just sell cars. We provide a complete car-buying experience. Visit us today at 200 Alpine Street in Longmont, CO, and let us show you how easy the car-buying experience can be at Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
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