The first official day of winter is this Sunday, December 21st. While it’s true that travelers drive less during winter months, the risk of crash increases. Data from Colorado State Patrol identifies the top causes of crashes during the winter months as speeding, lane violations, inattentive driving, and following too close. The driver can change these behaviors to reduce risk of crash rather than thinking four- or all-wheel drive vehicles are invincible on winter roads. “Adjusting your speed as temperatures drop or after snow and ice have fallen is appropriate,” shares the announcement. “Ice and snow make the road surface slick, drastically reducing the amount of friction your tires have. This makes it more challenging to steer, accelerate and brake. Drivers should also increase the distance between all other vehicles and brake sooner. Due to reduced traction, your vehicle will require a longer time and distance to stop than on dry pavement.”
