Before driving, brush off all snow and ice. Keep washer fluid full, your windshield in good condition, and tires properly inflated with at least 3mm of tire tread. Maintain more than half a tank of fuel and pack cold-weather essentials, like food, water, warm clothing, blankets, a flashlight, medications, and a scraper.
Colorado law requires drivers to move over when approaching emergency, tow, maintenance, or utility vehicles with flashing lights. If moving over isn’t safe, you must slow down. On E470, that means dropping your speed by at least 20 MPH (to 55 MPH). Violations can result in a $167 fine and three license points.
When snowplows work in an “echelon formation,” spreading out diagonally to remove snow, do not pass them. It’s illegal to pass an active snowplow displaying its lights. And if you happen to find yourself behind a snowplow, slow down and give the plow a little extra space.
Avoid overdriving, overcorrecting, and using cruise control when the road is wet or icy. It’s also important to slow down when approaching off-ramps, bridges, or shady spots as ice forms quicker in these areas.
Colorado gets 300 days of sunshine. And after a snowfall, that sunlight can be blinding. So be sure to keep a pair of sunglasses handy and your windshield spotless, both inside and out for better visibility.
Whether or not you have anti-lock brakes, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. And remember, four-wheel and all-wheel vehicles do not stop or steer better on ice.
A driving 101 tip that’s worth repeating: ease off the gas and leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Tailgating never helps, especially around larger vehicles that take much longer to stop.
In emergency situations, your vehicle can provide temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to find you. If you get stuck during a severe snowstorm, stay with your vehicle and call *470 for help.
