It’s no secret that driving in Colorado during the winter can be hazardous. Residents and visitors alike must prepare ahead of time for the start of the season and the arrival of the next major storm. Poor winter conditions cause thousands of accidents in the state each year. It’s especially vital to educate yourself if you’ve recently moved from a country region where winter storms are uncommon. These tips will help you avoid costly claims and keep your auto insurance affordable.
Let’s take a look at winter driving in Colorado and how to stay safe on the road.
Protocols while driving through mountains during winter in Colorado
It’s not just aggravating to come across a driver who doesn’t respect or comprehend mountain driving protocols; it can also be deadly. But what exactly is the proper protocol for winter driving in Colorado, and why do so many motorists seem to be unaware of it?
Before we get into winter driving in Colorado, let’s go over the fundamentals of mountain driving etiquette. First, if you are uncomfortable, it is OK to take it slow in the mountains. If the roads are ice, this is especially true. 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 relieve your stress while driving and avoid any potentially dangerous passing scenarios for others behind you. If you’re driving down a mountain road with a passing lane, stay to the right unless you’re passing slower-moving traffic.
If you can’t pass quickly, say because the road is steep, don’t push it. Stay in the right lane and let quicker traffic pass you by. These goods will make your trip, as well as the drives of your fellow drivers, more comfortable and safe.
Colorado DMV has a Driver Handbook that outlines key mountain driving rules, such as pulling off safely when traffic backs up behind you and using lower gears on descents to maintain control in slick conditions.
Prepare for the worst and unexpected situations
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), icy roads, low visibility, and overconfidence in all-wheel drive vehicles cause a rise in crashes during winter. To drive safely in Colorado’s winter conditions, you need to prepare. Stay alert, as you never know what might be ahead.
First and foremost, keep your petrol tank as complete as possible. Winter weather crashes can cause long delays on highways and interstates, leaving you stranded in your car for hours. Nothing is more frustrating than running out of gas and having to switch off your car. Pack an additional blanket, as well as gloves and caps for the entire family, in case you have to wait in a cold car for several hours before being rescued or being towed.
A basic first-aid kit is always a good idea to have on hand, no matter what time of year it is. Finally, if you’re going on a winter road trip, bring lots of water in case you get stuck. As Ready.gov recommends, your emergency car kit should also include food, water, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio in case of extended delays.
Study Traction laws – thank us later!
When winter storms loom, why not head up into the mountains? CDOT’s traction laws must be followed at all times. You can check the current traction law status and compliance details anytime at CDOT’s official traction page, which explains requirements for tires, AWD systems, and chains during Code 15 and Code 16 alerts.
When a winter storm warning is issued, specific rules take effect, and you must have one of the following:
- Chains
- Traction devices
- 4WD car
- AWD car
- Tires suited for mud, snow, or winter, and having at least a 3/16′′ tread depth.
If you ignore the traffic law and wind up impeding traffic, the fines might be severe. If traffic movement is obstructed due to your negligence, you could be fined up to $650.
Patience is a virtue
We all want to go skiing country or to that secluded winter cottage, but driving carelessly or too fast is a definite way to ruin a winter weekend. There is a definite link between speeding and an increase in accidents at any time of year, not only in the winter. In the winter, it pays to be cautious because you never know when you’ll come across an icy spot.
Even on sunny days, drifting and blowing snow may convert a clean highway into a treacherous stretch of road. So, when winter circumstances may be present, be patient and don’t rush.
Let snowplows do their work
We’ve all been stuck behind a snowplow at some point, and it may be aggravating since it slows you down. On the other hand, passing a snowplow is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal in some cases. In Colorado, passing multiple snow plows in an Echelon formation is banned. Snowplows line up in an angular pattern to push snow from the middle of the road to the side of this formation. Slow down and hang back if you come across plows in this formation. Attempting to pass will result in double jeopardy, as you will get a ticket and get into a crash.
CDOT has more details about snow removal and safety, including an explanation of how Echelon formations efficiently clear wide stretches of highway and why passing them can be both dangerous and illegal.
Due to the snow that snowplows kick up as they operate, vision will be blurred. Snow ridges can also form across lanes, causing your car to spin out. Even if you only see one plow and plan to pass, give it some thought.
Low visibility from the plow’s stirred-up snow makes it difficult to see oncoming vehicles, and they won’t be able to see you. You can’t observe the road conditions as you drive by, which could include slippery patches. Arriving late is usually preferable to risking an accident.
What to remember during Colorado winter driving
The most important advice we can give to avoid potential accidents is to slow down, accelerate, and brake gradually. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that sudden acceleration, hard braking, or sharp steering can greatly increase the risk of skidding or losing control, especially on icy or snowy roads.
If you’re new to winter driving in Colorado, spend some time getting to know your car on side roads and parking lots before taking on mountain highways. Stay at home if at all possible when severe winter storms strikeIf you’re snuggled up on the couch under a blanket, you won’t need to worry about an expensive auto insurance claim. Finally, make sure the right car insurance covers you during winter.
If you’re unsure about your auto insurance coverage, Way offers free online quotes from various insurance providers so you can compare policy options. Let us help you find affordable car insurance in Colorado, so you can drive stress-free this winter.
Sara Sam may not look like your typical car and finance expert, but don’t let that fool you. With over four years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins and outs of cars, car insurance, and refinancing. You can trust Sara to help you navigate the often-confusing world of automobiles and financing.
