Avoiding Common Winter Driving Mistakes

Get Your Vehicle Winter-Ready: Essential Prepping Tips

Your vehicle should be ready for winter weather before the first snowfall by doing the following, usually in late October or early November:

• Swap your tires for winter tires because they provide better traction than all-season tires.
• Inspect the tread depth and wear on winter tires and replace them if necessary.
• Have your battery checked to make sure it does not need replacing.
• Have your radiator coolant tested to verify its viability in cold weather.
• Have all vehicle maintenance current, including oil changes, tire rotations, tire balancing, and brake pad replacement. 
• Verify your wiper fluid is an antifreeze type. 

Recognize Dangerous Road Hazards In Winter Weather

Wintery weather can create dangerous road hazards, such as blowing and drifting snow and black ice. Heavy snowfall can cover up potholes and cause other road damage. Other hazards to be prepared for are:

• Sunlight reflecting off the snow
• Snow blowing off roofs of other vehicles
• Ice patches on bridges and overpasses
• Shaded areas of the road that could have ice
• Loss of traction from snow and ice
• Reduced visibility from fog or blowing snow 

Master Safe Winter Driving Techniques

It is vital to change your driving habits once winter weather starts. You may need to refresh your driving techniques to remain safe and avoid a winter car accident. Some important techniques to practice for safe winter driving etiquette include:

• Do not use cruise control
• Thoroughly remove all snow and ice from your vehicle
• Use your headlights when it is raining, sleeting, or snowing 
• Increase your following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you
• Slow down and drive at a safe speed, even if it is under the posted speed limit
• Avoid jack-rabbit starts or attempting to increase speed too fast going up snow-covered hills
• Allow for longer stopping distances and pump your brakes to slow down and stop safely

What To Do If You Start To Skid

Most people are caught off guard when they start to skid on snow or ice. If your car begins to skid, try not to panic and do the following:

• Take your foot off the gas and brakes
• Do not jerk the wheel too much, and slowly steer it into the skid
• As the vehicle starts to correct itself, slowly steer the wheel if needed to get your back on course
• As the car slows down, gently tap the breaks to come to a complete stop 

Building A Winter Emergency Kit For Your Car

The Colorado Department of Transportation recommends the following items for your winter emergency kit:

• Ice scraper, snow brush, and snow shovel
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Sleeping bag or blanket
• One gallon of water
• First aid kit
• Essential medications
• Tow strap
• Tire chains
• Jumper cables
• Flares or reflectors 
• Portable radio
• Extra set of winter clothing
• Hand warmers
• Non-perishable snacks
• Non-clumping cat litter
• Deck of cards or a board game 

You should also have fully charged smartphone chargers in your emergency kit. 

How To Avoid Common Winter Driving Mistakes

In addition to practicing safe winter driving techniques, you can avoid common winter driving mistakes by:

• Allowing for extra travel time
• Not allowing your gas tank to get below half a tank
• Using the “L” gear setting on your vehicle when you need added traction and control at slower speeds
• Eliminating all distractions, like turning off the radio and not using your smartphone
• Checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Keeping out of the passing lane unless you are passing
• Using your turn signals
• Not weaving in and out of traffic
• Not trying to beat oncoming traffic when turning left or right

What You Should Know About Winter Weather Conditions

Winter weather in Colorado can bring snow, sleet, rain, and freezing rain. There can be high winds, cold air, and low visibility. Road conditions can also deteriorate quickly and become snow-covered and slick. Some winter storms can bring several feet of blowing and drifting snow. If it rained or sleeted before turning to snow, a layer of ice can be under the snow, making driving extremely dangerous. 

Prepare For Winter’s Worst: Check Your Vehicle’s Vital Systems

Once your vehicle is winter-ready, it is essential to monitor vital systems on your car:

• Monitor the air pressure in your tires. Colder temperatures cause air to contract, meaning the tires have less air. Keep them filled to the correct pressure all winter.
• Monitor your vehicle’s warning lights and other indicators when starting the vehicle. If any turn on, do not drive until you resolve the issue.
• Monitor fluid levels and top them off as needed. 
• Regularly verify headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights are working. 
• Replace worn or damaged wiper blades with winter-type ones. 

Understanding Winter Driving Myths

There are many winter driving myths you should be aware of and why they are not true, like:

• You should let your vehicle warm up: Modern gas vehicles only require 15-30 seconds to warm up before you can start driving. 
• Winter tires aren’t worth the cost: Winter tires are specifically designed for colder, wintery weather and improve traction and control. 
• You only need to clear off snow and ice from the windows: Not fully clearing off your vehicle creates hazards for other drivers with the blowing snow and ice. 
• Adding weight in the trunk increases traction: Most modern vehicles are front- or all-wheel drive. Adding weight to the trunk can actually make it more difficult to drive in snow and ice. 

Know When To Stay Off the Roads

To reduce the risks of winter car accidents, you should stay off the roads if possible in the following conditions:

• Temperatures drop as it rains or sleets, which can lead to hazardous icy conditions.
• A winter storm warning is in effect with blowing, drifting, and heavy snowfall.
• There are roads that are closed, or they have not been plowed.
• There are travel advisories in effect. 

Winter Driving Checklist: Are You Ready?

Are you ready for winter driving in Colorado? We hope our checklist and tips for winter driving will help you be fully prepared. Should you get into a winter car accident and are injured, the car accident lawyers at Bachus & Schanker are here to help with a free consultation. 

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