Colorado AAA, Englewood Police Department offer winter-weather advice
With colder temperatures comes snow blanketing the streets. The roads can be slippery and dangerous for Colorado drivers – new and native to the state. Experts say it’s important to be prepared for the difficult task of driving in the winter.
Colorado AAA says following a few tips can help keep drivers safe when traveling in the harsh winter climate.
“The first sustained, major weather event is always a useful reminder to Coloradans, regardless of whether you grew up here or if you’re new to town, to brush up on winter driving fundamentals: Slow down, don’t tailgate, and don’t slam on the gas or brakes,” Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs, said.
Prepare the vehicle
Colorado AAA encourages drivers to test their batteries and electrical systems, check all fluid levels, including antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid and engine oil and make sure all lights operate properly.
Additionally, AAA advises people to inspect their tires, brakes, windshields and windshield wiper fluid.
“Remember, too, that four-wheel drive does not mean four-wheel stop. We’ve had to winch out many top-of-the-line trucks and SUVs, many equipped with winter tires, simply because their drivers were going too fast for the conditions,” McKinley said. “Still, as with any storm, the majority of our calls were related to dead batteries, flat tires and engine operability, and most of those were from folks who were already safe at home.”
Keep an emergency kit
For those unlucky enough to end up stranded, whether by sliding off the road or getting stuck in traffic during a closure, Colorado AAA encourages drivers to keep an emergency kit in their cars.
“Keep an emergency kit in your car with tire chains, abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, small shovel, flashlight with extra batteries, ice scraper, rags or paper towels, flares or other warning devices, booster cables and a first aid kit,” Colorado AAA said.
Drivers should bring blankets, jackets, hats and gloves for themselves and passengers. People should also pack water and snacks, such as energy bars, and bring pet food if they’re traveling with four-legged friends.
“Finally, remember that an ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure. Your battery likely tried to warn you it wasn’t up to the task of starting your engine in sub-zero temperatures, likely through dimming headlights or sluggish starts in warmer weather,” McKinley said.
McKinley said by addressing issues drivers will be more prepared for the conditions and any emergency situations they may accrue.
“By addressing all those issues when they first come up, you can help make our roads safer, and significantly reduce your odds of needing to call for assistance in dangerous conditions,” McKinley said.
Driving on icy roads
When driving on icy roads, Colorado AAA advises that people slow down and be careful when accelerating, turning or braking, doing all gradually.
“Adjust your speed to the road conditions and leave yourself ample room to stop. Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you,” the company advises.
People also shouldn’t tailgate, they need to watch the traffic ahead of them, avoid unnecessarily changing lanes and use extreme caution on bridges and overpasses.
“Black ice typically forms first in shaded areas of the roadway and on bridges and overpasses that freeze first and melt last,” McKinley said. “Although the road leading up to a bridge may be fine, the bridge itself could be a sheet of ice.”
Crystal Essman, the crime prevention specialist for Englewood Police Department, said it’s important for people to make sure they slow down and increase their distance from other cars.
“Increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you,” Essman said. “Don’t crowd a snowplow. Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes and exit the road frequently.”
She also encourages people to make sure their children are secure in the proper car seat and that those seats are installed correctly.
