Whether you are new to Colorado or have been here all your life, it is always important to know how to safely drive your vehicle in snowy conditions. The winter season officially starts just a few short days down the calendar and, if history is any indication, the number of car accidents on icy roads will soon increase.
To do your part in preventing collisions due to the weather, remember these snowy safe driving tips:
- Slow down: Snow and ice on the road isn’t always glaringly obvious; in many incidents, you won’t see the slick hazard until you are right on top of it, or you won’t see it at all if it is black ice. Slow your speed considerably – at least 15 miles per hour in most circumstances – in the snow to spot dangers and react accordingly. Not to mention that driving fast on ice will likely cause you to skid out on turns our when you try to brake.
- Steady braking: Speaking of coming to a stop, slamming the brakes down is a surefire way to lose control of your vehicle. If your car has antilock brakes, steadily press down on the brake pedal to gradually stop. If you have standard brakes, you need to pump them lightly and intermittently.
- Icy bridges: Ever seen a sign that warned you about an icy bridge or overpass? Ever wonder why the sign doesn’t just say “Ice is all over”? Due to their close proximity to water, bridges and overpasses are far more likely to collect a thin layer of ice than other roadways. Exercise extra caution whenever crossing one.
- No high beams: Normally high beams are effective at showing you what’s around that next dark bend, but when it is snowing, they will likely completely blind you. Snow in the air and on the road can reflect the high beams right back at you, making everything seem like it is behind a white screen. Stick to low beams and you should be fine.
- Slide with control: The best of drivers might find themselves sliding out of control around a snowy bend. Try not to panic, take your foot off the gas and the brakes, look in the direction you want to go, and steer gradually that same way.
If you do find yourself in a car accident, caused either by the weather or another driver that wasn’t being safe, you might be able to file a lawsuit against any liable parties. Call 719.359.9000 to connect with The Law Firm of Ted Bills and tell us what happened during a free case evaluation with our Colorado Springs personal injury attorney.