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How to Drive in Colorado Winter Weather, Snow and Ice
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How to Drive in Colorado Winter Weather, Snow and Ice

Whether you’re a Colorado native, a new resident, or a visiting tourist, driving in Colorado winter weather can be dangerous if you’re not prepared.

Winter weather can quickly change road conditions and not all drivers know what they are doing in the snow. according to the Colorado State Patrol.

Colorado drivers and passengers are 2.5 times more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash during the winter than at other times of the year, state patrol officials said.

From the first snowfall to the last of winter 2023, 5,691 accidents occurred during snowy weather conditions, according to Data from the Colorado Department of Transportation. In those accidents, 534 people were injured and eight died.

Here’s how to stay safe when driving in the snow:

1. Prepare your car before leaving

“Take a little extra time to clear snow and ice from your car before leaving for your destination.” CDOT officials said.

While no law in Colorado specifically addresses clearing snow from a car’s windshield before driving it, leaving chunks of snow and ice behind can cause visibility problems, which is illegal, state officials said.

According to Colorado lawA vehicle may only be operated if the driver’s vision through any required glass equipment is normal and unobstructed.

Even if windshield wipers can clear dust and give the driver an unobstructed view of the road temporarily, leaving snow on the roof of your car is still dangerous, state officials said. Snow falling from the roof can slide back onto the windshield or block the view of drivers behind you.

2. Be easy on the pedals

Using too much force on the accelerator or brakes, or changing pedals too quickly is a recipe for disaster, CDOT officials said.

If a driver needs to slow down, it is best to ease off the accelerator and allow the car to slow down naturally. When traveling downhill, where brakes are necessary, drivers should shift to a lower gear and gently apply the brakes to avoid burning the pads and maintain traction. state officials said.

“There are three actions you take most frequently when driving: accelerating, turning and braking,” CDOT officials said. “In winter, you should only do one of those actions at a time.”

Trying to do more than one at a time or switching between them too quickly can lead to skids, slides, spins and more, according to CDOT officials.

3. Watch your speed and leave extra space

Speeding is the highest speed in winter accidents, as drivers go too fast for the conditions. state patrol officials said.

“Trusting snow does not mean driving recklessly. If you are truly an experienced winter driver, you will know to adjust your speed to the current conditions,” said Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Slow down, let the people around you go at the pace they choose to maintain control of your vehicle, and give everyone some extra space.”

Drivers should use extreme caution when approaching or passing snow removal equipment with flashing yellow lights, according to the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Motor Vehicles.

“It is illegal to pass a city, county, or state-operated snow plow while it is operating with its yellow lights flashing and you are driving in conjunction with one or more snow plows,” Colorado DMV officials said.