Travel Tips & Trends

Winter Driving

Prepare for winter driving

Snow and ice can pose challenges for even the most experienced driver. Here's a brief refresher course:

Remove snow from the entire car, not just the windows. This ensures snow doesn't blow onto your windshield or the windshields of other drivers. Make sure your mirrors are clean as well, and that all lights are visible.
Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.
Avoid letting your gas tank run low.
Stay at least 200 feet behind maintenance vehicles and plows, and avoid cutting in front of other vehicles—especially large vehicles, which may be unable to stop in time.
Don't use cruise control in wet or freezing conditions.
With anti-lock brakes, apply constant, firm pressure to the pedal. Never pump the brakes.
If you get stuck in snow, straighten the wheel and accelerate slowly. Scatter sand or cat litter under the drive wheels if necessary.
If your tires lose traction on snow or ice, continue to look and steer in the direction you want to go. If the drive wheels start to spin or slide while going up a hill, ease off the accelerator slightly and then gently resume speed.

A suggested winter emergency car kit includes an ice scraper and snow brush; an extra jug of wiper fluid; a blanket and some warm clothing; a small shovel; a bag of sand or cat litter; flashlight and cell phone, with extra batteries for each; jumper cables; a gallon of drinking water and some non-perishable food; rags or paper towels; tire chains; a reflective triangle; extra car fuses and a general first aid kit.

Finally, recognize the times when it's best to stay put. While this doesn't happen every winter in Colorado, most residents will agree that last year's run of consecutive blizzards and snowstorms was a frustrating experience, to say the least. If severe weather makes you unsure whether you can reach your destination and then return home safely, reconsider the importance of your trip.