Winter Driving Mistakes To Avoid This December

Colorado’s scenery is some of the most beautiful in the country and our roads are some of the most treacherous. Whether you are heading into the office, running errands, or enjoying a leisurely drive into the mountains, the following are some winter driving mistakes you will want to avoid.

1. Not paying attention to road conditions. Colorado weather is notoriously fickle and can change without warning. Adjust your speed when it starts to snow and when you encounter ice, black ice, or heavy traffic.
2. Following too closely. Slow down when entering city limits and anytime you encounter road construction. Rear-end collisions are all too common, yet avoidable accidents.
3. Failing to prepare the vehicle. Broken headlights/taillights, bald tires, loose steering systems, and bad brakes can contribute to causing a motor vehicle accident. When you fail to prepare your vehicle, you put yourself at risk and expose yourself to legal liability for causing an accident.
4. Driving while distracted. Cell phones, tablets, radio dials, comfort controls, and passengers can take your focus off the road. Winter driving requires enhanced focus, and you should avoid all distractions to ensure a safe trip.
5. Assuming other drivers are “safe.” Never assume other drivers are obeying the rules of the road. Always monitor the vehicles around you for unsafe driving behaviors. Remember, just because other drivers are doing 90 mph on I-25, it doesn’t mean it’s safe (or legal) for you to follow suit.
6. Driving while tired. Fatigued driving claims around 1,500 lives and causes approximately 71,000 injuries each year. Never get behind the wheel while you are drowsy; otherwise, you could end up taking a permanent nap.
7. Parking on the side of the road. It can be tempting to pull over and take in the view when driving in the mountains. However, it is safest if you only pulled over in designated rest areas and marked scenic overlooks.
8. Ignoring wildlife. Deer, elk, mountain goats, mountain lions, bears, and more roam the roads throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Stay alert for any movement near the road, and be prepared to stop should an animal dart out in front of your vehicle.

Contact Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. at (303) 447-1144 for more winter driving tips. It is our pleasure to tell you more about the most common reasons clients in Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins, and the Front Range contact us following a motor vehicle accident.