If you believe that come February, you’re through the worst of Colorado’s winter storms, you’re new to the state.
March is traditionally one of the snowiest months of the year, and April isn’t far behind. Along with that ice and snow come slipping and skidding and sliding. And we’re not just talking about your short walk to the car; we’re referring to the time you’ll have white- knuckle driving on your way to work, to the kids’ school or to the mountains for a ski weekend.
Driving guru Wave Dreher, spokeswoman for AAA in Denver (), offers tips for staying safe on the roads when the weather outside is less than delightful.
Q: If you’re heading up to the mountains and snow is predicted, how should you prepare?
A: Let’s start with the basics. In this state, where temperatures can drop drastically, keep a duffel bag with warm clothes in the car at all times in the cold months. Be sure you have a sturdy ice scraper with a brush, jumper cables, flares and blankets. Most everyone has a cellphone, but not everyone has a charger. It happens a lot that we’ll get a call, try to call back to say when we’ll be there, and we can’t get through because a phone has lost its charge.
Q: Are there precautions to take long before you head out on your drive out in nasty weather?
A: Have your battery tested to make sure it won’t give out. Be sure your brakes are in good shape. And remember, with the drop in temperature, you’ll see a decrease in tire pressure. You don’t want to overinflate them, but be sure they’re properly inflated. Also, be sure you have enough antifreeze.
Q: What should you do when you start to slide on the road?
A: If you’re starting to slide, look in the direction you want to move and steer in that direction. Your car will go in the direction you’re looking. Back off on the accelerator. Our brochures all say don’t panic, but I’d love to know how to do that.
Q: Any driving myths you can debunk?
A: First, four-wheel drive is not four-wheel stop. SUVs and other four-wheel-drive vehicles can’t stop any more easily than the rest of the cars on the road. Don’t use cruise control. You want that control you have when you’re driving without it.
Very few cars benefit from being warmed up before driving. In fact, leaving a car on with no driver is illegal in Colorado. You’re better off just driving it slowly for the first few miles.
Q: Any last tips?
A: For those who have rear-wheel-drive cars, load some nonclumping kitty litter in the trunk for extra weight, though it will affect gas mileage.
Also, there a lot of amateurs out there offering to pull people out of a ditch. If you’re not an AAA member, contact a professional. Don’t let a neighbor’s kid pull you out with a tow rope. That’s going to cause damage to the car.
