How to Stay Safe While Driving in Colorado

If you are lucky enough to be based in the beautiful state of Colorado, you will likely know that it features some of the most scenic backdrops in the entirety of the United States. 

While it can be a joy to travel through, the state is also prone to some fairly extreme driving conditions, and despite the view being breathtaking, it’s not without its long list of potential dangers. 

From huge hailstones in June to the sheer drops on the mountain roads, staying safe as a driver is a matter of necessity. 

If you feel like you could be doing a little more to practice road safety, here are some top tips you may want to consider taking a look at. 

Get the Right Coverage

Finding the perfect insurance policy does not mean breaking the bank by any means, and since the price of failing to get insured can be astronomical in the event of an accident, it’s certainly worth it in the first place. 

It’s worth checking out cheap car insurance Colorado Springs CO for an example of how the right policy can keep you protected on the road. 

Plus, insurance is a legal requirement in Colorado, so making sure you have at the very least got the basic protection in place is a must for road users in the Centennial State. 

Equip Snow Tires

The winter traction law in Colorado is in place to make sure that your vehicle is equipped with the necessary tires to face the harsher winter conditions, so it is worth making sure that you meet the legal requirements. 

Driving in the harsh Colorado winter can be tough and extremely dangerous without the right vehicle upgrades, so if you didn’t know where to start improving the safety of your vehicle, you should turn to your tires. 

Recognize the Effects of High Altitude

Some places in Colorado rest at an incredibly high altitude, like the Mount Evans Highway at 14,130 feet. 

This can provide drivers with certain complications that you need to be aware of in order to practice safe driving at all times. 

Some of these complications might include: 

• A reduction of engine power – This might throw off your sense of how the car handles, so watch out for a dip in horsepower on the higher altitude roads and adjust your driving accordingly. 

• Headaches – Safe driving isn’t just about the car, it’s about the driver too, so if you feel like you’re picking up a headache or nausea at the higher altitudes, make sure to pull over safely and not risk danger. 

• Poor Fuel Economy – You may need more fuel to accelerate on the higher mountain roads, so make sure you don’t get caught short in the middle of a long drive. 

Take a Defensive Driving Course

In order to navigate out-of-the-ordinary roads and conditions, your regular driving experience may not always be enough. 

It is worth considering a defensive driving course in this regard, as you may learn some highly important skills and techniques that come in handy on difficult roads.