As a seasoned Colorado driver, chances are, driving in the snow is nothing new to you. However, if you’re new to Colorado and all the cold fluffy white blankets that this region is known for, then it’s a good idea to learn some tips for driving safely in icy and snowy conditions.
Here are three things you should know about driving in the snow:
#1 - You should base your speed on the road conditions rather than the posted speed limit.
You may think that as long as you are not exceeding the posted speed limit, then you should be safe, no matter what the road conditions are like.
Think again.
Just because the posted speed limit is 45 miles per hour (mph) on a given road, that doesn’t mean you will be safe driving at that speed in any type of weather. In fact, you may even receive a traffic violation if you are driving too fast for the conditions.
Making Turns in Inclement Conditions
When making a left-hand turn at an intersection or any other type of turn with a radius of 30 ft, it’s in your best interest to travel at the following speeds in order to avoid losing control of your vehicle:
- Dry Roads:
- 21 mph
- Wet Roads:
- 18 mph
- Snowy Roads:
- 12 mph
- Icy Roads:
- 8 mph
#2 - Always carry tire chains.
Even if your vehicle has all-wheel or 4-wheel drive capabilities, it’s still a good idea to carry snow chains at all times during the winter months. The last thing you want to do is start sliding on a winter road without having the necessary equipment.
#3 - You must extend your stopping distance significantly.
According to Engineering Explained, if you are traveling at a rate of 30 mph, it takes the following distances to stop your vehicle under various road conditions:
- Dry Conditions:
- 30 (feet) ft
- Wet Conditions:
- 43 ft
- Snowy Conditions:
- 100 ft
- Icy Conditions:
- 200 ft
In comparison, if you are traveling at a rate of 60 mph, it takes the following distances to stop your vehicle under various road conditions:
- Dry Conditions:
- 120 ft
- Wet Conditions:
- 172 ft
- Snowy Conditions:
- 400 ft
- Icy Conditions:
- 800 ft
If you’ve been involved in a car accident on a winter Colorado road, you may be owed compensation. Let us see if we can help you recover it.
Contact our team at today to discuss the details of your case.