Tips for driving safely in the mountains

Winter weather can affect local travel routes by shutting down roads after heavy snows. What a lot of people do not realize is that Colorado weather can be the most unpredictable and volatile in the country. COTrip reports that conditions in Colorado can vary minute to minute and even mile to mile. Anyone who has lived here any length of time knows that snow is possible in the highest elevations year-around.

Avoid accidents on a mountain road by remembering these tips:

• Pay attention to the speeds as you enter the curves. Instead of braking after you enter a turn, brake early and coast through the turn. This gives your vehicle more stability.
• Brake before entering the downgrade. It is better for your car if you start braking before you pick up speed halfway down the hill.
• Have a full tank of gas when you head into the mountains.
• Watch for quickly changing weather conditions as you change altitudes.
• Know the pulse braking method for going downhill. Do not constantly apply pressure to your brakes, but give the brake pads a chance to cool off between speeding up to be more effective.

If you do get into an auto accident, remember that it may take time for law enforcement and medical assistance to reach your vehicle. Remain calm and do what you can for anyone who is seriously injured. Keep emergency gear in your vehicle when you take a ride into the mountains.

Following the accident, you might want to speak to a personal injury attorney to help you make sure you are getting a fair settlement from the insurance company. You cannot relax on Colorado roads in the summer. Even though the snow and ice are mostly gone, you still face hazards which can lead to devastating consequences.