Driving in Colorado’s Worst Snow Storm in 3 Years

Each year, snow and ice contributes to over 6,500 car accidents in Colorado. Unfortunately, there is a significant storm approaching Colorado. With the major news outlets issuing a significant winter storm warning for Denver, Boulder, and Golden, we decided to provide helpful tips to avoid getting a serious car accident in Colorado.

Winter Storm Warning

The winter store is forecasted to arrive in Colorado tonight with rain that will eventually turn into snow early Thursday morning. While the worst of the storm will be Thursday, the weather should taper off on Friday, meaning Colorado’s Front Range and Interstate 25 could see over 36 hours of rain and snow. According to 9 News Denver, the snow that will arrive is expected to be heavy and wet. This could result in broken branches and downed power lines. It could also prompt closures on major highways, including Interstate 25, Interstate 70, and U.S. Highway 36.

Recognizing the dangerous nature of the approaching weather, the Colorado Department of Transportation (“CDOT”) warned Colorado residents to avoid travel over the next 36 hours. The Colorado State Patrol (“CSP”) echoed this sentiment in a Tweet earlier today, advising people to limit travel if possible to ensure the safety of other motorists. CSP also instructed motorists to keep an eye on the weather and to check COTRIP.ORG.

CDOT has indicated the following roads will be closed throughout the next three days:

• I-25 between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs;
• I-70 between Golden and the Eisenhower Tunnel;
• U.S. Highway 285 between C-470 and Fairplay;
• Colorado Highway 83 between Franktown and Monument.

Additionally, CDOT is warning motorists to prepare for avalanche danger to impact travel and possibly prompt road closures on many mountain passes, including:

• Loveland Pass
• Berthoud Pass
• West Loop Road
• Vail Narrows
• Grand Mesa
• Monarch Pass

The goal is to keep roads clear enough for emergency vehicles. Accordingly, travelers are advised to plan for closures before hitting the road. Regardless of how much snow falls, the important takeaway is that travel is going to be difficult in the coming days. If there is an absolute need to be on the roads over the next few days, drivers should operate with caution. Below, we highlight some ways drivers can reduce the likelihood of a car accident in Colorado.

Stay Informed

Whether getting ready for work in the morning or planning a trip to the mountains to ski, drivers should know what the weather conditions are going to be like while on the road. Drivers should turn to local news or weather stations and take note of the weather to their destination and on the way home. This will help prepare drivers for the commute as well as alert them to any issues that may prevent travel altogether.

Preparation

Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for travelers. In fact, winter storms and haphazard road conditions contribute to nearly half a million collisions and more than 2,000 deaths every winter, according to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The personal injury attorneys at Bowman Law urges drivers to be cautious while driving in adverse weather and adequately prepare for winter road emergencies. CDOT recommends drivers ensure the following are in safe operating condition:

• Windshield Wiper Fluid: In cold climates, winter often brings heavy precipitation. Whether it is snow, sleet, or rain, a vehicle’s wipers have their work cut out for them trying to keep the windshield clear. Wiper fluid will help ensure drivers can see their surroundings. 
• Winter Wiper Blades: Unlike normal summer blades, winter wipers have a protective layer made out of rubber that allows them to keep working, even if it is icy or snowy outside. 
• Radiator/ Anti-Freeze: If water freezes, it cannot flow properly to cool the engine, leading to an engine overheating.
• Tire Tread: In winter weather, all-season tires begin losing traction long before they appear worn-out. Tread depth is essential to disperse rainwater, slush, and snow. As tires wear, the ability to hold the road confidently fades. 
• Tire Pressure: Drivers should consult their owner’s manual to determine the proper inflation for tires, which is higher in winter.
• Working Headlights: With proper lighting, drivers can better see the road ahead as well as other vehicles nearby. Headlights are important for illuminating reflective road signs and seeing pedestrians who are crossing the road. They also help notify other motorists and pedestrians of a driver’s presence. 
• Car Battery: As the temperature continues to fall during the winter months, the capacity of the vehicle’s batter also falls. It is important to check a vehicle’s car batteries because, as the temperature drops, engine oil thickens, causing the starter to work harder to start the engine.

In addition to making sure a vehicle has the aforementioned parts in properly working order, drivers should consider keeping various items in the vehicle in case of emergency. Drivers should be prepared by creating a car survival kit for winter emergencies, including the following items: 

• Scraper / Brush / Shovel: It is helpful to have a scraper, brush, or shovel to clear snow off a vehicle. 
• Flashlight with Extra Batteries: A flashlight is a great tool to keep any time of year, however, it can be incredibly helpful in times of emergency, particularly during wintertime, blizzard, or snowy conditions that reduce a driver’s visibility. 
• Blanket / Sleeping Bag: Recently, drivers throughout the United States were stranded for upwards of 13 hours on various interstates struck with significant winter conditions. A blanket could help people stay warm during these types of situations. 
• Gallon of Water: Similar to the blanket, drivers who are stranded must stay hydrated. 
• First Aid Kit: These could be handy in emergency situations requiring medical care. 
• Tire Chains / Tow Strap: Snow chains help boost a vehicle’s traction in cold weather and tow straps might just save a driver if their vehicle gets stuck in a ditch. 
• Jumper Cables: Jumper cables may save a driver time and stress in an emergency. 
• Flares / Reflectors: These provide excellent warning signals to other motorists. 

Driving in Winter Conditions

Winter is notorious for wet, slushy, and slippery roads. While driving in these conditions can be inevitable, drivers should know how to drive in poor conditions to stay safe and avoid accidents.

• Employ Extra Caution: When driving on snow and ice, drivers should slow down and leave large following distance since low visibility can hide hazards.
• Take Curves at Slowed Speeds: Slick road conditions will increase stopping distance. Drivers should avoid situations that would force them to slide.
• Drive Sober: Drivers should always avoid driving while intoxicated, distracted, fatigued, or otherwise unfit to operate a motor vehicle.
• Avoid Black Ice: Black ice forms when melted snow freezes on roadways. Bridges are the most popular place for black ice to develop because they are surrounded by cold air on all sides. Underpasses are also common sites for black ice because the roadway receives little sunlight and collects runoff when snow melts. Drivers should be cognizant of these areas when driving.
• Be Careful Around Plows: Plows have very large blind spots and they may leave lanes to avoid a road hazard or as a result of impact with packed snow. Drivers should generally avoid passing snowplows unless there is adequate space and visibility.
• Be Prepared for the Unexpected: Drivers should be ready for vehicle trouble, accidents, or other unanticipated issues.

Stuck in Snow

There is no way around it. People in Colorado get stuck in the snow. Not knowing what to do (or doing the wrong thing) can be very dangerous, if not deadly. Here are the best solutions to set your car free if you get stuck in snow:

• Keep a shovel and bag of sand or salt in your trunk. Use the shovel to dig out snow from around your tired, then sprinkle sand or salt in front of them to create traction;
• Try to slowly ease out of the spot without spinning the wheels (accelerating hard will usually just dig deeper ruts);
• If your wheel spins, stop immediately and let your tires cool before starting again;
• Try rocking our vehicle. To do this, shift to second or low gear (automatic transmission) and move forward. When your car cannot go any further, take your foot off the accelerator and as the cars rolls back, accelerate slightly. Repeating these steps rapidly can often free your car (but be careful to use gentle acceleration to avoid getting stuck further;
• Make sure you always travel with an Auto Emergency Kit (especially in cold weather regions) and hats, gloves, and outwear;
• If all else fails, call a tow truck or use the distress signals in your Auto Emergency Kit to flag down help.

Be Careful Colorado

Some drivers will continue driving without due regard to the safety of others. They will put lives at risk with negligent driving. While we offer the aforementioned tips to help drivers avoid accidents, the reality is that accidents are going to happen. It could be helpful for drivers to familiarize themselves with the aftermath of a car accident in Colorado.