Colorado is known for all things winter. In fact, the draw of winter sports like skiing or snowboarding is a major part of the state’s tourism industry. Unfortunately, spending winter in Colorado means having to take the good with the bad. That includes winter weather and its effects on travel safety. The good news is there are plenty of ways that savvy drivers can stay safe on the roads even in the worst conditions.
The best way to prevent a vehicle accident due to winter weather is to avoid the snow entirely. If possible, drivers shouldn’t travel during the worst of a storm. In some cases, it will be possible to delay a trip until the conditions are better.
Preparing a vehicle for the rigors of winter driving is another important safety tip. Some vehicle systems are more likely to fail in the cold, so it’s important to make sure they’ve been checked and maintained before winter weather hits. The systems most likely to be affected by cold weather are the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses, spark plugs, batteries and tires.
Finally, keeping a car stocked with necessities can help ensure safety should there be a collision or the driver gets stranded. In addition to keeping the car topped up with gasoline and antifreeze, there are a number of other items one should always travel with. These include jumper cables, tow chains, flashlights, first aid kits, ice scrapers and warm clothing.
Unfortunately, all of the safety precautions in the world can’t prevent every auto accident. In cases when a driver is injured in a vehicle accident because of the negligence of another party, legal action may be warranted. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is an important first step in recovering compensation from the responsible party.
