snowy driving in the Colorado mountains

Recap of the week and driving in the snow tips

Hectic

If there was one word to summarize this week it is definitely hectic. Why? Maybe because people forget it still snows in late April and I-70 is very unforgiving. Potentially it was the multiple snow showers in the middle and end of the week clashing hard with the summer like weather earlier in the week. Either way, these icy spring conditions cause some massive and scary pileups near the tunnel.

Remember April in the mountains still means:

  1. Snow
  2. Road closures
  3. Parking brakes on
  4. And no movement

-TIPS-

So let's talk about driving in the snow because as we all know a refresher could be beneficial to most of us. A few key things to keep in mind.

Tires

Quality tires that are appropriate for the specific season are key. Winter and studded tires do well in the snow, but also make sure you have sufficient tread for maximum traction.

All Wheel Drive and Four Wheel Drive vs. Two Wheel Drive and Chains

AWD and FWD help with control and power of the vehicle in inclement weather. For example, going uphill in an all wheel drive car will be much easier than in a two wheel drive. If you have a two wheel drive car and it is snowing, chains will be your best friend. Especially if you’re trying to make it up to the Eisenhower Tunnel.

Give lots of space

This one should be a given, but it is important to reiterate. Extra space can be the difference between a close call and an accident. As Nike says, "Just Do It."

Drive Slow 

This one also should be well known too, but many times speed is the leading factor for accidents. You’ll still get to your destination even if it is a few minutes later than originally planned.

If you start sliding and can downshift do that first, don’t just slam the brakes

Since most people drive automatic cars, downshifting doesn’t come as natural. It is important to understand that downshifting can provide for better control and slow you down when compared to simply slamming your brakes.

Use left lane to pass only

Left lane campers are a huge problem on I-70. The left lane should only be used to pass and when it is snowing this is an extremely important rule to follow. Do your part to allow for a safe driving experience for all vehicles on the road.

If you don’t feel comfortable driving in the snow stay home

Lastly, including this tip is mainly to reiterate the fact that many people grow up driving in these sorts of conditions, but many don’t. If you don’t feel comfortable driving in the snow listen to your gut and either have some else drive or stay home.


Do your part and create a checklist for yourself. Doing so is a step in the right direction to keeping yourself and the I-70 Things Community safe. Any other tips you’d like to share with us? Feel free to comment them in the comments section below. We’ll update the blog and include them. 


Feel free to share this with someone who could use a reminder.

Thanks for reading.


PS: We’re a small team. So if you’d like to be a guest blog writer and have an interesting topic or a wild I-70 story that you’d like to share please email us at i70tings@gmail.com. Also if you’re an expert in an applicable industry we’d love to interview you. 




*We are not driving instructors. Do not use this as your "driving in the snow exam." Liability is on the driver.
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