Colorado gets its fair share of snow. When a major snowstorm hits, it can cause severe traffic problems on roadways throughout the state. Some drivers may forget how to drive in winter weather, which places many other motorists at risk.
This posting discusses some of the things that you can do to protect yourself during challenging winter driving conditions. By taking a few moments to prepare, you can possible prevent yourself from being collected in a serious motor vehicle accident.
Check your tires
Proper tire care is an essential part of winter driving safety. In winter driving conditions, it can take up to five times longer to bring your vehicle to a complete stop on snow-covered or icy roadways. Driving in the mountains presents additional challenges, and you might have even more difficulty bringing your vehicle under control when heading downhill.
Make sure that your tires are properly inflated. A change in temperature may cause your tires to lose air, so it is a good idea to keep an eye on things throughout the winter. If the tread on your tires looks low, you may need to replace them before heading out in poor conditions.
Colorado does have a law that requires drivers to use the proper equipment when driving during a snowstorm. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident and do not have the proper tires when required, you could be facing a fine of up to $600.
Know your route
Some roadways in Colorado are better than others for winter driving. If you know that the weather will be changing, check to see if there is a better route that will help you avoid areas that are going to be hit the hardest. When giant snowstorms hit, it is not uncommon for traffic to be at a standstill while the roadways are being cleared. Be sure to plan extra time to ensure that you reach your destination on time.
Be careful around snowplows
We have all been stuck behind a snowplow at some point. It can be frustrating because they slow traffic down and cause massive delays. Some may try to pass the plows, but this is an extremely bad idea because it can cause potential problems.
Most snowplows push snow off to the right. This means that everything that is on the road will end up on the right side of the road. If you try to pass on the right, you could find yourself covered in snow, which may result in you being unable to see or control your vehicle. You should be careful about passing on the left, as many plows have equipment that extends off of the vehicle into other lanes of traffic. It can be tough to see in blowing snow.
What happens if you are in an accident
Even if you take all of the proper precautions, you might still find yourself collected in a crash by other drivers. If this happens to you, be sure to seek treatment for your injuries. You should also speak to an experienced attorney to learn more about your options to recover compensation for those who caused your crash.