Winter Safety Tips to Enjoy Pagosa Springs

Winter Driving Tips

Fully clear your windows before you drive.
Having a proper window scraper on hand and taking the time to clean your windows is essential. If you can't see the road or oncoming traffic, you can't drive safely.

Check your tire tread and season rating.
Check your tread depth before heading to the mountains. Proper tires make all the difference; summer tires do not grip in cold and snow. Colorado requires tire chains for some vehicles.

Keep extra water and blankets in your car.
No one plans on getting stuck. Have extra warm gear and water in your car if you get stuck and have to wait for help. Dress in layers in Colorado.

Check COTrip.org before traveling to Colorado.
COTrip.org provides up-to-the-minute road conditions for the entire state. Plan before you leave and bookmark the site on your phone.

In a pile-up, stay in your car.
When a large accident occurs, it is safer inside your car than outside. Stay in your vehicle until emergency personnel arrives.

Check your fluids.
Ensure your washer fluid is full, and have an extra jug if you are doing long-distance driving. Make sure your antifreeze is right and your oil too.

Slow down.
Arriving at your destination late is better than not arriving at all.

Drive cautious.
Everyday driving often involves accelerating, braking, and turning in combination. During winter driving, try to do only one maneuver at a time to maintain traction in slippery conditions.

More Winter Safety Tips

Dress In Layers
Weather conditions can go from the mid-70s to freezing and snowing in minutes. Don't let yourself get caught in the cold.

Wear Sunscreen
You are at altitude. There's less atmosphere between you and the sun. UV rays also reflect more significantly off snow, leading to worse sunburn.

Wear Eye Protection
Whether you are just out for a walk downtown or shredding some gnar, your eyes need more winter protection.

Drink lots of water
Drink more. Your body needs more hydration at altitude and in Colorado's dry climate. High-altitude also affects alcohol consumption. Be safe.

Know Before You Go
Colorado's backcountry is epic during the summer and more dangerous in the winter. Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Never adventure alone.

Be Avalanche Aware
Check avalanche conditions at www.avalanche.state.co.us. Danger can be high even without a recent snowstorm. The San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado are very prone to avalanches.

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