A favorite “Colorado-ism” is, “if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes and it’ll change.” And that couldn’t be more true than this winter. It can 50 or 60 degrees one day and blizzarding the next!
Don’t let these ever changing weather conditions catch you mentally unprepared. We’re assuming that your car has already been prepared for winter driving with adequate tires, fluid levels and battery check, etc. It can be easy to forget to adjust our driving habits from one day to the next, but it is vitally important to ensure your safety during snowy and icy conditions.
Here are some mental winter driving tips to help you get into your “Zen Zone” during your drive on icy roads.
Colorado Winter Driving
1. LEAVE EARLY. Just accept the fact that no matter where you’re going―it’s going to take you longer to get there. Without a doubt, traffic will be moving slower and you may need extra time to scrape your windows or unstick a frozen car door.
2. SLOW DOWN. One of the most obvious and easiest precautions you can take while driving on slippery roads is to slow down. When Colorado roadways are icy, your odds of losing control of your vehicle rise dramatically.
3. MORE DISTANCE. Increase the distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. Icy road conditions require extra stopping distance. If a car in front of you loses control, you’ll need that extra distance to react and avoid an accident.
4. BE ALERT. Icy spots can be hard to see and they can appear anywhere. Be especially cautious on bridges, overpasses and on and off ramps, as these can be notoriously icy.
5. DRIVE DEFENSIVELY. Sometimes it’s not you―it’s them! You can be doing everything right, but if another driver is driving dangerously for the icy conditions they can put you at risk for an accident. So be aware of what other drivers around you are doing.
6. RELAX. This is the time to leave behind any additional stress before you get into your car. Driving during winter weather is stressful enough without bringing along the stress of a bad day at work, an argument with your significant other, upcoming deadlines, childcare issues or any other troubling events.
7. REMEMBER. Four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive does not equal invincibility on ice. Ice doesn’t care what kind of car you drive or what kind of tires you have―you’re going to put yourself and possibly others in danger, if you drive carelessly on ice!
The basics to remember are to take it slow and steady and you’ll increase your odds of making it to your destination safely. But, if you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s careless driving during a Colorado snow storm contact the Denver personal injury attorneys at The Bendinelli Law Firm. We can help you through the complicated and confusing process of filing your claim and getting you the help you need.
