Hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas!
At this time of year, drivers on our mountain roads may be dealing with ice, snow, or loose dirt/gravel, and may end up moving between several of these
conditions often during a drive. All three present driving challenges, and we ask that you please drive carefully to avoid accidents.
The following safety tips apply to all of those road conditions. Please keep them in mind!
- Slow down. The thing ice, snow, and loose dirt/gravel all have in common is that they make the
driving surface unstable. You may find yourself moving between these conditions, and each of them handles slightly differently. The one thing you can do that is helpful on all
three conditions is to slow down! You have a lot more control over what you’re doing when you take it easy. Anticipate when a change in speed may be necessary, plan ahead, and
slow down when approaching corners.
- Avoid sudden changes in direction, such as swerving to avoid objects or animals in the road, which can
be particularly dangerous, especially if you are going too fast for conditions. This applies whether we’re talking about a critter running into the road or merely making that next turn. Our
roads are banked for optimal water runoff, not optimal safety in travel. This means that the forces working on your car as you round a corner may be pushing you off the roadway, rather
than keeping you on it.
- Accelerate and brake gently and reduce your speed when approaching corners, curves and
hills. Always drive at a speed that allows you to stop easily for any hazard without slamming on the brakes. Your brakes will be less effective in all these road conditions and it may
take longer to stop than usual (and longer than you expect).
- Increase following distance. Even if visibility is good and the road is clear, increase your
following distance to reduce the necessity of stopping suddenly. Be considerate too. As you approach other vehicles, slow down and move to the right so you can pass each other safely.
If your vehicle starts to skid, let off on the accelerator or brakes. Do not overcorrect! As you slow down, look where you want to go and steer the vehicle
gently in that direction. If your tires drop off the road on one side, do not jerk the wheel to try to get back on the road – this can cause you to roll the car. Slow down and steer back toward the
road gradually to guide the tire back onto the road.
Also, please remember – we are in Colorado, it is winter, and Crystal Lakes is in the mountains. If you do not have four-wheel drive (and even if
you do!), make sure you have chains with you. Have warm clothes in your car in case you get stuck, do not try to drive through snow drifts, and DO NOT leave your car if you get
stuck. You’re far safer inside than outside in the elements.