Take it slow.
The Colorado Department of Transportation recommends the following winter driving precautions.
- Always keep the top half of your gas tank full. It gives you better traction and a better margin of error if you get stranded.
- If you are stuck in a serious storm do not leave your car. Run the engine periodically to stay warm and wait for help.
- Always carry blankets, water, a flashlight, a shovel, and food. Winterize your vehicle's safety kit by including extra blankets, sand, jumper cables, an ice scraper and lock de-icer.
- Four-wheel drive does not mean four-wheel stop. Your four-wheel drive vehicle will not stop quickly in icy conditions.
- Know your route. Don't go exploring, especially when a storm is brewing. The weather can change quickly and violently in the Rocky Mountains.
- Be sure you have good tires. The Colorado State Patrol recommends at least a 1/8" tread. All season radials on a front-wheel-drive passenger vehicle are adequate for most situations. Snow tires on most rear wheel drive vehicles are usually adequate.
- Slow down in low visibility or whiteout conditions. High speeds can lead to large chain reaction accidents.
- For the most current road conditions, call 511 or visit the Colorado Department of Transportation's website.