Are you ready for winter?
Winter is coming.
Or, depending on when you read this, winter might very well be here already. Living in Colorado means winter can strike at any moment, so even if it's sunny while you're reading this, a blizzard might only be a few minutes away. Because winter driving conditions can strike at any time in Colorado, it's a good idea to brush up on best practices for navigating slick, snowy, and stressful roads.
If you plan on getting behind the wheel at all over the next few months, you'll likely have to drive in the snow at some time or another, and a little foresight can save you a lot of stress—even more so if you're one of the many, many people who didn't drive as much over the winter of 2020.
With that said, let's take a look at what the experts have to say about navigating Colorado winters! Starting with:
Take It Slow
No, really. Slow down. It only takes one accident to completely erase ALL of the time you think you're saving by speeding—and that's before you factor in the costs of insurance and car repair. Speeding is one of the most common causes of preventable accidents, so it's a good idea to take it slow when the roads get slick. Slowing down both gives you more time to react to changing road conditions and better control of your vehicle.
Know When (and When Not) to Brake
While it's a good idea to control your speed, going heavy on the brakes can cause just as many problems as it solves. It's a good idea to drive slowly so that you aren't as reliant on braking in order to navigate traffic. In the event you start to swerve or lose control of your car, DO NOT SLAM ON THE BRAKES, as this can easily cause you to spin out further. Instead, steer into the slide—doing so will give you significantly better control of the situation.
Turn Responsibly
Attempting a hairpin turn in snowy conditions is just asking you to lose control of your car, especially if you're accelerating into it. This is why it's a good idea to take your turns wide and slow in order to maintain the best possible control over your car. There's also no shame in waiting for other cars to pass so you have a little more wiggle room if you're turning into (or out of) a parking lot.
Winterize Your Car
If you plan to do any amount of winter driving, it's always a good idea to winterize your car. This entails doing a couple of different things to make sure your car's systems are ready for the road. Doing so means you're better protected against any potential complications the cold weather might throw at you. Check out our guide on winterizing your car, or ask your local mechanic about what options they offer.
Minimize Distractions
Driving distracted is dangerous under good circumstances. If you're navigating slick roads or chaotic winter traffic, then pausing to look at your phone can be downright deadly. To that end, it's a good idea to be mindful of any distractions you might encounter while driving. This might mean locking your phone inside your glove compartment or having discussions about car rules with your kids.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
