Mastering Colorado winter driving: tips for new drivers

Colorado winter driving is different from ordinary bad-weather driving. A road can look clear in Denver and become snowy, icy or windblown in the foothills. A mountain pass can change from wet pavement to packed snow in minutes. A short trip to school, work or the mountains can require more planning than a new driver expects.

For new drivers, the biggest challenge is not just learning how to steer on snow. It is learning when not to drive, how to prepare the vehicle, how to choose a safe speed, how to handle hills and how to follow Colorado traction and chain rules.

This guide explains the Colorado winter driving skills every new driver should learn before the first major storm. It also links directly to the state resources that matter most, including CDOT Winter Driving resources, Colorado passenger vehicle traction and chain laws, Colorado State Patrol chain law information and COtrip road conditions.

Why Colorado winter driving is different

Many states have snow, but Colorado adds elevation, steep grades, sudden weather shifts and long stretches of mountain highway. A storm that is manageable on a city street can become much more serious on a pass, bridge, shaded curve or high-speed interstate.

Colorado drivers also share the road with commuters, ski traffic, freight trucks, tourists, snowplows and emergency responders. That mix creates a higher need for patience and planning. A new driver who is comfortable in a neighborhood after light snow may not be ready for the I-70 mountain corridor, a steep downhill grade or a dark rural highway with blowing snow.

The CDOT I-70 Mountain Corridor information explains why this route is so important for travel across Colorado. It connects the Denver metro area with mountain communities, ski areas and western Colorado, which also means it can become heavily traveled during winter weekends, holidays and storms.

New drivers should treat Colorado winter driving as a separate skill set. You still use the same basic rules of the road, but everything happens with less traction, less visibility and less room for last-second decisions.

Start with the official Colorado winter driving resources

Before practicing in snow, new drivers should know where to find current rules and road conditions. Social media posts and driver rumors can be outdated, especially because Colorado traction-law requirements have changed in recent years.

Useful official resources include:

• CDOT Winter Driving resources for winter travel information, tire safety, road-condition tools and preparedness links.
• Colorado passenger vehicle traction and chain laws for current traction-law and chain-law requirements.
• Colorado State Patrol chain law information for drivetrain-specific guidance, including two-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive requirements.
• CDOT winter driving preparedness checklist for vehicle checks, emergency-kit items and snow-driving reminders.
• CDOT snow removal and safety guidance for snowplow safety and the tandem snowplow law.
• COtrip road conditions for real-time road conditions, traffic cameras, closures and travel alerts.
• The official Colorado Driver Handbook for general driving laws, safe-driving practices and licensing study.

Bookmark these before winter. A new driver should not be searching for them for the first time while snow is already falling.

Know Colorado’s traction and chain laws before the first storm

Colorado winter driving is not only about safe technique. Drivers also need to understand when the vehicle must meet traction or chain-law requirements.

The state can activate traction and chain laws when weather and road conditions require them. Drivers may be notified by highway signs, COtrip, alerts and other official channels. The rules matter because they help prevent spinouts, blocked lanes, crashes and long closures on roads where one disabled vehicle can affect thousands of other drivers.

What the passenger vehicle traction law means

Under Colorado’s passenger vehicle traction rules, drivers must be ready to meet specific tire, drivetrain or traction-device requirements when the law is active.

The details depend on the vehicle. A driver should not assume that all-season tires, four-wheel drive or a rental car automatically meet the requirement. Review the current state language on Colorado passenger vehicle traction and chain laws and the more detailed Colorado State Patrol chain law information before driving in winter conditions.

As a practical starting point, new drivers should know these basics:

• Two-wheel-drive vehicles have stricter requirements during active traction-law conditions.
• All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles still need proper tires and enough tread.
• Tire tread depth matters. Colorado winter guidance repeatedly uses 3/16 inch as the key tread-depth standard.
• Chains or an approved alternative traction device may be required when tires or drivetrain do not meet the active requirement.
• The passenger vehicle chain law is more restrictive than the traction law and may require every passenger vehicle in the affected area to use chains or an approved alternative traction device.

What two-wheel-drive drivers need to know

Two-wheel-drive vehicles require extra planning in Colorado winter conditions. According to the Colorado State Patrol chain law information, two-wheel-drive passenger vehicles must use chains or an approved alternative traction device when the passenger vehicle traction law is in effect.

This is important for new drivers because many common cars are front-wheel drive. A front-wheel-drive car can be capable in light snow when equipped properly, but it does not become compliant with Colorado traction requirements simply because it has all-season tires.

A two-wheel-drive driver should:

• Carry the correct chains or approved alternative traction device before traveling in mountain conditions.
• Know which tires are the drive tires.
• Practice installing the device before needing it in snow or darkness.
• Confirm that the device fits the vehicle’s tire size.
• Keep gloves, a flashlight and a kneeling pad or small mat in the vehicle.
• Pull completely out of traffic before installing chains or traction devices.

Do not wait until you are stuck on a shoulder during a storm to learn how the equipment works.

What all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive drivers need to know

All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive can help a vehicle get moving, but they do not make the vehicle stop quickly on ice. They also do not replace good tires.

When Colorado traction rules are active, all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles generally need tires that meet the required tread depth and rating, such as winter tires, all-weather-rated tires or tires marked with a mud-and-snow designation. If the tires do not meet the requirement, the driver may need chains or an approved alternative traction device.

New drivers often overestimate all-wheel drive. The system may help distribute power to multiple wheels, but braking still depends on tire grip. A heavy sport utility vehicle with worn tires can slide farther than a smaller vehicle with proper winter tires.

Before winter, check:

• Tire tread depth.
• Tire age and condition.
• Whether the tire has a mountain-snowflake, M+S, M/S or all-weather rating.
• Tire pressure, including the spare.
• Whether the vehicle can safely use chains.
• Whether the owner’s manual restricts chain use on certain tires or axles.

What the passenger vehicle chain law means

The passenger vehicle chain law is the final safety measure before a highway closure. When it is active, every passenger vehicle in the affected area must have chains or an approved alternative traction device.

This can apply to vehicles that normally feel capable in snow, including all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles. During severe winter conditions, the law focuses on keeping traffic moving and preventing disabled vehicles from blocking lanes.

Drivers should also know where to verify approved equipment. CDOT links to a CDOT approved products list for approved alternative traction devices.

Fines can be expensive

Colorado’s traction and chain rules can carry fines and surcharges. More importantly, a non-compliant vehicle that loses traction and blocks a lane can create a dangerous chain reaction for other drivers.

A new driver should think of traction compliance as part of trip planning, not as something to worry about only if a police officer is nearby. Proper tires and traction devices help you avoid being the vehicle that shuts down a pass, delays emergency vehicles or causes a crash.

Check your tires before you rely on your car

Tires are the most important winter-driving equipment on the vehicle. Your brakes, steering and all-wheel-drive system can only work as well as the tires allow.

Before winter, inspect all four tires. Do not check only the front tires because they are easier to see. Uneven wear can leave one axle with less grip, which increases the risk of a slide or spin.

A winter tire check should include:

• Tread depth.
• Tire rating.
• Tire pressure.
• Sidewall damage.
• Uneven wear.
• Age of the tire.
• Spare tire condition.
• Whether chains or traction devices fit the tire size.

The CDOT winter driving preparedness checklist includes tire tread, brakes, battery, lights, heater, defroster, wiper blades and fluid levels as part of winter vehicle readiness.

Learn the difference between tire types

New drivers often use the terms all-season, all-weather and winter tire as if they mean the same thing. They do not.

All-season tires are designed for a range of ordinary conditions, but they may not perform well in severe cold, packed snow or mountain winter driving. Winter tires are designed to stay more flexible in cold temperatures and grip snow and ice better than many all-season tires. All-weather tires are a separate category designed to perform year-round while still meeting winter-performance standards when properly rated.

The most important thing is not the marketing language. Look for the actual tire markings, tread depth and manufacturer rating required by Colorado’s traction rules.

Check pressure more often in winter

Cold temperatures can lower tire pressure. Underinflated tires can reduce handling, increase wear and make the vehicle feel less predictable. Check pressure when the tires are cold and use the pressure listed for your vehicle, not the maximum number printed on the tire sidewall.

If you are driving from the Front Range into the mountains, recheck your tires regularly during the season. Elevation, temperature swings and long trips can reveal tire problems that did not show up during short city drives.

Build a Colorado winter emergency kit

A winter emergency kit is not just for drivers going deep into the mountains. A crash, closure or spinout can leave you waiting in cold weather on an interstate, city street or rural road.

The CDOT winter driving preparedness checklist recommends emergency items such as a scraper or snow brush, flashlight, blanket, water, first aid kit, tire chains, jumper cables, flares or reflectors and a battery-powered or crank-powered radio.

For new drivers, a practical Colorado winter kit should include:

• Ice scraper and snow brush.
• Small snow shovel.
• Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.
• Gloves and a warm hat.
• Blanket or sleeping bag.
• Non-perishable snacks.
• First aid kit.
• Essential medications.
• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter.
• Tire chains or approved traction device when needed.
• Reflective triangles, flares or warning lights.
• Phone charger and power bank.
• Tow strap if appropriate.
• Kitty litter or sand for traction.
• Paper map or saved offline map.

Keep the kit where it is easy to reach. If the trunk is packed tightly for a ski trip, emergency items should not be buried under luggage.

Clear your vehicle before you move

Do not drive with a small peephole scraped into the windshield. Clear snow, frost and ice from every window, mirror, light and camera before leaving.

Also clear snow from the roof, hood and trunk. Snow left on top of the vehicle can slide onto your windshield during braking or fly into traffic behind you. Snow-covered headlights, taillights and brake lights make the vehicle harder for others to see.

Before driving, clear:

• Side windows.
• Rear window.
• Brake lights.
• Turn signals.
• License plate.
• Backup camera.
• Trunk or hatch.
• Driver-assistance sensors if your vehicle has them.

Give yourself extra time. Rushing to clear the vehicle is one of the easiest ways to begin a winter trip already stressed and distracted.

Drive with smooth inputs: accelerate, turn and brake one at a time

One of the most useful Colorado winter driving tips is simple: do not ask the tires to do too much at once.

The CDOT winter driving preparedness checklist explains that accelerating, turning and braking are the three actions you use most, and in winter weather you should do only one of those actions at a time whenever possible.

That means:

• Brake before the curve, not hard in the middle of it.
• Ease onto the accelerator after the vehicle is pointed where you want to go.
• Avoid sudden steering corrections.
• Leave more room so you do not need abrupt braking.
• Change lanes gently, not with a sharp movement.

Smoothness matters more than speed. New drivers should practice gentle inputs during normal conditions so they become automatic during a storm.

Slow down before conditions force you to

The posted speed limit is for good conditions. It is not a promise that the road is safe at that speed during snow, ice, fog, wind or low visibility.

Winter crashes often happen because a driver realizes too late that they are traveling too fast for the available traction. By the time the vehicle begins sliding, there may not be enough room to recover.

Use these cues to reduce speed early:

• Snow is beginning to stick to the road.
• Spray from other vehicles turns into slush.
• The steering feels lighter than usual.
• The road looks wet but temperatures are near or below freezing.
• Visibility is dropping.
• Traffic ahead is braking more often.
• Bridges or shaded areas are approaching.
• Snowplows, flashing lights or warning signs are visible.

Driving slower does not mean crawling unnecessarily in clear conditions. It means choosing a speed that allows you to stop, steer and respond safely based on the actual road surface.

Increase following distance and read traffic ahead

Following distance is one of the first habits new drivers should change in winter. A gap that feels comfortable on dry pavement may be far too short on packed snow or ice.

Do not focus only on the bumper in front of you. Look far ahead for brake lights, lane changes, snow clouds, plows, curves, hills and stopped traffic. The sooner you recognize a problem, the less braking you need.

In winter conditions:

• Leave more space than usual.
• Avoid tailgating even if traffic is moving slowly.
• Begin slowing earlier for intersections.
• Watch for drivers who may slide through stop signs or red lights.
• Avoid driving beside another vehicle for long periods.
• Expect trucks and buses to need more stopping distance.
• Give motorcycles, bicyclists and pedestrians extra room when they are present.

New drivers sometimes worry that other drivers will cut into a large gap. Let them. Rebuild the gap and keep your own vehicle under control.

Learn how to handle skids without panicking

A skid is frightening because the vehicle does not respond the way you expect. The best response is calm and controlled.

If the vehicle begins to skid:

• Ease off the accelerator.
• Look where you want the vehicle to go.
• Steer smoothly in that direction.
• Avoid slamming on the brakes.
• Avoid overcorrecting.
• Let the tires regain grip before adding power.

If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, press the brake pedal firmly and steadily when you need maximum braking. You may feel pulsing through the pedal. Do not pump anti-lock brakes.

Practice skid awareness only in a safe, legal and supervised environment. An empty, icy public road is not a training area. New drivers should start by learning smooth braking and steering at low speeds with an experienced adult or instructor.

Understand black ice, bridges and shaded roads

Black ice is difficult to see because the road may look only wet or slightly darker than normal. It often forms in areas where cold air reaches the pavement from above and below or where sunlight does not warm the road.

Be especially cautious on:

• Shaded curves.
• Canyon roads.
• Mountain passes.
• Areas near streams or melting snow.
• Intersections where vehicles polish packed snow into ice.
• Parking lots and neighborhood streets after overnight freezing.

When you suspect ice, do not make sudden steering, throttle or braking changes. Keep the vehicle as steady as possible and let it roll through the slippery section.

Use hills and mountain passes wisely

Colorado winter driving often involves elevation changes. Hills and mountain passes require planning because traction, gravity and traffic all work together.

When traveling uphill, maintain steady momentum. If you slow too much on a slippery grade, it may be difficult to start moving again. That does not mean speeding up aggressively. It means choosing a safe speed before the hill and keeping inputs smooth.

When traveling downhill, reduce speed before the grade becomes steep. Use a lower gear when appropriate and brake gently. Riding the brakes can cause heat buildup, reduce control and surprise drivers behind you.

On mountain roads:

• Check COtrip road conditions before leaving.
• Watch for chain-up areas and traction-law signs.
• Let faster drivers pass only where it is safe and legal.
• Do not stop in a travel lane to install chains.
• Avoid sudden lane changes near curves or grades.
• Expect trucks to accelerate and brake more slowly.
• Leave extra space around snowplows and commercial vehicles.

If the pass is closed, respect the closure. A barricade is not a suggestion.

Respect snowplows and maintenance crews

Snowplows are working vehicles with large blind spots, limited maneuverability and heavy equipment. Getting too close to one can reduce visibility and expose your vehicle to snow, slush, sand or de-icer.

The CDOT snow removal and safety guidance explains Colorado’s tandem snowplow law. It is a Class A traffic offense to pass a snowplow operated by a state, county or local agency when the truck is displaying its lights and operating in tandem formation with one or more snowplows.

New drivers should remember three basic snowplow rules:

• Do not pass snowplows operating in tandem formation.
• Do not pass a plow on the right.
• Stay back at least three to four car lengths.

Passing on the right is especially dangerous because plows are designed to push snow and debris to that side. A driver who tries to squeeze past may encounter flying snow, rocks, slush or a blocked view.

It can feel frustrating to drive behind a plow, but the road behind it is often safer than the untreated road in front of it.

Follow Colorado’s move-over rules during winter breakdowns

Winter weather increases the chance that you will encounter stopped vehicles, tow trucks, maintenance crews, police vehicles and stranded drivers. Snow and darkness make these situations more dangerous.

The Colorado State Patrol Slow Down Move Over law requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching emergency, tow, maintenance or passenger vehicles with emergency hazards activated.

A new driver should treat any stopped vehicle on the shoulder as a warning sign. Move over when it is safe. If you cannot move over, slow down well before reaching the vehicle and give as much space as possible.

Do not stare at the scene. Look where you need to drive, watch for people outside vehicles and be ready for traffic ahead to brake.

Plan every winter trip before you leave

Good winter driving starts before the engine turns on. A new driver should not rely on hope or a navigation app alone.

Before a winter trip:

• Check COtrip road conditions.
• Review weather forecasts along the full route, not just at the destination.
• Check for traction-law, chain-law or closure notices.
• Look for mountain-pass conditions when traveling west of the Front Range.
• Fill the fuel tank or charge the vehicle.
• Tell someone your route and expected arrival time.
• Leave earlier than normal.
• Avoid peak storm periods when possible.
• Consider delaying nonessential trips.

CDOT also offers CDOT travel alerts that can help drivers stay aware of current travel impacts.

The safest winter trip is sometimes the one you postpone. New drivers should not feel pressured to drive during a major storm simply because a more experienced driver might try it.

Know what to do if you get stuck or stranded

If your vehicle becomes stuck, safety comes first. Do not stand in a travel lane, dig from the traffic side of the vehicle or assume other drivers can see you clearly.

If you are stranded:

• Turn on hazard lights.
• Call for help if needed.
• Stay inside the vehicle when it is safer than standing outside.
• Use reflective triangles, flares or warning lights only if you can place them safely.
• Keep warm with blankets and extra clothing.
• Run the engine only when safe and necessary.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear if the engine is running.
• Do not spin the tires aggressively.
• Use sand or kitty litter for traction if appropriate.
• Conserve phone battery.

If you encounter a multi-car collision, CDOT advises that staying in the car can be safer than getting out around traffic. Use judgment, follow emergency instructions and move only when it is clearly safer to do so.

Take avalanche and safety closures seriously

Most new drivers will not be directly involved in avalanche conditions, but mountain travelers should understand that closures can happen for safety reasons.

CDOT and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center monitor avalanche paths above Colorado highways and perform control work to reduce risk. The CDOT avalanche control information explains how avalanche control supports highway safety in winter.

If a road closes for avalanche control, a crash, whiteout conditions or winter operations, do not try to bypass the closure. Wait for the official reopening or choose a safe alternate route.

A closure may feel inconvenient, but it often prevents drivers from entering a much more dangerous situation.

What new drivers should practice before a snowstorm

The first snowstorm should not be the first time a new driver feels the vehicle slip. Practice should happen gradually, legally and with supervision.

Before winter, new drivers should practice:

• Smooth starts.
• Controlled braking.
• Gentle turns.
• Lane changes with extra space.
• Parking-lot maneuvering at low speed.
• Defroster and wiper use.
• Low-beam headlight use.
• Checking tire pressure.
• Clearing the vehicle completely.
• Installing chains or an approved traction device.
• Planning a route using COtrip.

Practice should not create risk for others. Avoid public roads that are busy, icy or poorly lit until the driver has developed basic control.

A seven-day Colorado winter practice plan for new drivers

A structured practice plan helps new drivers build skill without trying to learn everything in one storm.

Day 1: learn the vehicle

Review the vehicle’s controls while parked. Locate the headlights, wipers, defroster, hazard lights, traction-control button, gear selector, parking brake, heated mirrors and emergency equipment.

Check the tires, lights, washer fluid and fuel level. Read the owner’s manual section about chains or traction devices.

Day 2: study the rules

Read the Colorado passenger vehicle traction and chain laws and Colorado State Patrol chain law information. Confirm whether the vehicle is two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Check whether the tires meet Colorado traction requirements and whether the vehicle needs chains or an approved alternative traction device.

Day 3: build an emergency kit

Use the CDOT winter driving preparedness checklist to create or update the emergency kit.

Place the kit where it can be reached easily. Do not forget gloves, water, a flashlight, scraper, snow brush and phone charger.

Day 4: practice low-speed control

With a licensed adult or instructor, practice smooth starts, stops, turns and backing in a safe area. Focus on gentle inputs and early braking.

Do not practice sliding in traffic. The purpose is to build calm control, not to test the limits of the vehicle.

Day 5: practice route planning

Use COtrip road conditions to check a route you already know. Look for cameras, closures, chain-law alerts, construction, incidents and mountain conditions.

Compare the route with a weather forecast. Decide whether the trip should happen, be delayed or be changed.

Day 6: practice hills and stopping distance

On a safe route with light traffic, practice approaching hills, braking earlier, maintaining momentum uphill and reducing speed before downhill sections.

Leave more space than usual. Discuss how the vehicle feels different when slowing on cold pavement.

Day 7: complete a supervised winter-readiness drive

Complete a calm supervised drive that includes city streets, turns, stop signs, lane changes and a short higher-speed road if conditions are appropriate.

Afterward, review what went well and what needs more practice. Do not add mountain driving until the driver is comfortable with basic winter skills.

Common mistakes new drivers make in Colorado winter driving

Trusting all-wheel drive too much

All-wheel drive may help a vehicle move from a stop, but it does not remove the need for proper tires, slower speeds and longer following distance.

Waiting too long to slow down

Braking late is risky on snow and ice. Reduce speed before curves, hills, intersections and traffic backups.

Following too closely

Tailgating leaves no margin when the vehicle ahead brakes or slides. Keep more space than you think you need.

Driving with snow still on the vehicle

Snow-covered windows, mirrors, lights and roofs create danger for you and other drivers. Clear the whole vehicle.

Using high beams in heavy snow

High beams can reflect off snow and reduce visibility. Low beams are usually better in falling snow, fog and low-visibility conditions.

Passing snowplows

Passing a snowplow can put you on untreated pavement and may be illegal in tandem formation. Stay back and be patient.

Ignoring traction-law signs

Traction-law and chain-law signs are not general suggestions. They tell drivers that current conditions require specific equipment.

Driving when the smarter choice is to wait

Sometimes the safest decision is to delay the trip. New drivers should be encouraged to recognize when conditions are beyond their current skill level.

Frequently asked questions about Colorado winter driving

Do new drivers need winter tires in Colorado?

Winter tires are strongly worth considering, especially for mountain driving, early-morning commuting, ski traffic and areas with frequent snow or ice. Colorado traction rules may require specific tire ratings and tread depth or chains and approved alternative traction devices when the law is active.

Are all-season tires enough for Colorado winter driving?

Sometimes, but not always. All-season tires vary widely. Some may not meet the tire rating or winter-performance needs for active traction-law conditions. New drivers should check the actual tire markings, tread depth and Colorado requirements rather than relying on the phrase all-season.

Do two-wheel-drive vehicles need chains in Colorado?

Two-wheel-drive vehicles have stricter requirements under Colorado’s updated traction-law guidance. Review the Colorado State Patrol chain law information before traveling in winter conditions, especially on the I-70 mountain corridor.

Does all-wheel drive make winter driving safe?

All-wheel drive can help with acceleration, but it does not guarantee safe braking, turning or stopping on ice. Tire condition, tread depth, speed and following distance still matter.

What is the difference between the traction law and the chain law?

The passenger vehicle traction law sets requirements for tires, drivetrain or traction devices when winter conditions require them. The passenger vehicle chain law is more restrictive and may require every passenger vehicle in the affected area to use chains or an approved alternative traction device.

How do I know if a traction law or chain law is active?

Watch highway signs and check COtrip road conditions, official alerts and other CDOT communications before and during travel.

How close should I drive behind a snowplow?

CDOT recommends staying back three to four car lengths from snowplows. Never pass snowplows operating in tandem formation and do not pass a plow on the right.

Should I use cruise control in snow or ice?

No. Avoid cruise control on slippery roads. You need full control of acceleration and speed when traction changes.

What should I do if I miss an exit during a storm?

Continue to the next safe legal turnoff or exit. Do not make a sudden lane change, stop in the travel lane or cross unsafe areas because of a missed turn.

Should I drive during a major winter storm as a new driver?

Avoid unnecessary driving during the worst part of a storm. Skill develops with practice, but major storms are not the right place for a beginner to experiment.

Final Colorado winter driving checklist

Before driving in Colorado winter conditions, confirm that you have:

• Checked COtrip road conditions.
• Reviewed the weather along the full route.
• Confirmed whether traction or chain laws are active.
• Checked tire tread depth and tire rating.
• Confirmed tire pressure.
• Filled washer fluid with winter-rated fluid.
• Checked wiper blades.
• Confirmed headlights, taillights, brake lights and signals work.
• Cleared all snow and ice from the vehicle.
• Packed a scraper, brush and emergency kit.
• Packed chains or approved traction devices when needed.
• Filled the fuel tank or charged the vehicle.
• Saved emergency contacts.
• Allowed extra travel time.
• Decided whether the trip is necessary.

Final thoughts on mastering Colorado winter driving

Mastering Colorado winter driving is not about being fearless. It is about being prepared, patient and honest about conditions.

New drivers should learn the official rules, prepare the vehicle before storms, carry the right equipment, check road conditions and practice smooth control. They should also know when to slow down, when to increase following distance and when to postpone a trip.

Colorado’s winter roads can be beautiful, but they demand respect. Use the state resources, build good habits early and treat every storm as a reason to drive more carefully, not more confidently.