Winter in Colorado is stunning—there’s nothing quite like our snow-capped mountains and crisp mornings. But let’s be honest: driving in winter here? That’s a whole other story. Icy roads are nerve-wracking enough, but black ice? That stuff is sneaky and downright dangerous. Even the most experienced drivers can get caught off guard.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) says winter weather is a leading cause of car crashes in the state every year, and black ice is one of the biggest culprits.
This blog will walk you through simple, practical tips to drive safely on icy roads, give you the lowdown on handling black ice like a pro, and share some key stats and resources that every Colorado driver should know.
Ready? Let’s get into it!
What Is Black Ice and Why Is It Dangerous?
Black ice is a thin, transparent layer of ice that forms on roads and blends in with the pavement, making it nearly invisible to drivers. It’s called “black ice” because it looks like the road itself. It often forms in shaded areas, on bridges, and overpasses where temperatures drop faster.
The scariest thing about black ice is that you often don’t see it until it’s too late. One second you’re cruising along, and the next you’re skidding out of control. That’s why knowing where it forms and how to handle it is so important.
According to CDOT, black ice typically shows up when temperatures are hovering around freezing—32°F or lower. Be especially cautious during early mornings or late at night when the roads are coldest.
Colorado Winter Driving Statistics: Why It Matters
Winter driving accidents are no small issue in Colorado. Here are some eye-opening stats:
- 22% of all crashes in Colorado happen in bad weather, including snow, ice, and freezing rain (source: CDOT).
- Across the U.S., winter weather causes over 156,000 crashes annually, leading to more than 1,800 deaths (NHTSA).
- Bridges and overpasses in Colorado freeze faster than other roads—so slow down when you approach them.
Understanding the risks and how to prepare can make all the difference. Let’s get into how you can protect yourself.
Tips for Driving Safely on Icy Roads and Black Ice
- Slow Down and Stay Alert – Speeding is one of the biggest mistakes drivers make on icy roads. Slow it down, even if you think the road is clear. Drive according to the conditions, not the posted speed limit.
- Avoid Sudden Moves – Sharp turns, quick accelerations, and hard braking can send your car into a skid. Instead, drive smoothly—accelerate gently, steer carefully, and brake softly.
- Increase Your Following Distance – On dry roads, a 3-second following distance is fine, but on icy roads, you’ll need at least 8-10 seconds. This gives you enough time to react if the car in front of you stops suddenly.
- Know What to Do If You Skid
- If you hit black ice and start skidding:
- Take your foot off the gas
- Steer in the direction you want to go (don’t overcorrect).
- Don’t slam on the brakes—this can make the skid worse.
- If you hit black ice and start skidding:
- Watch Out for Black Ice Hotspots – Keep an eye out for areas where black ice is most likely to form:
- Bridges and overpasses
- Shaded areas where the sun doesn’t hit the road
- Intersections, where melting snow can refreeze
- Highways and rural roads that don’t get much traffic
- Use Winter Tires – Winter tires give you way better traction on snow and ice than all-season tires. If you live in Colorado, investing in a good set of winter tires is one of the smartest things you can do.
- Winterize Your Car – Before winter hits, make sure your car is ready:
- Check your tire tread and pressure
- Replace worn windshield wipers and keep washer fluid topped off
- Keep an emergency kit with blankets, water, snacks, and a flashlight
- Make sure your brakes are in good shape
- Use Low Gears on Hills – If you’re driving up or down hills, switch to a lower gear. This helps you maintain better traction and reduces the risk of sliding.
What to Do If You Hit Black Ice
Even the best drivers can encounter black ice. If it happens to you, remember these steps:
- Stay calm and don’t panic.
- Ease off the gas pedal and avoid any sudden movements.
- Steer gently in the direction you want the car to go.
- Avoid braking hard until you regain control.
Colorado Winter Driving Resources to Bookmark
When it comes to winter driving, knowledge is power. Here are some resources to keep handy:
- Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) – For live road conditions, closures, and updates, visit CDOT. They also offer free winter driving tips.
- National Weather Service (NWS) – Stay updated on winter storm warnings and forecasts at weather.gov
- Colorado State Patrol (CSP) – Follow CSP’s safety tips and road advisories on their website or social media.
Stay Safe and Stay Prepared
Colorado winters are no joke, but with a little preparation and caution, you can stay safe on the road. Slow down, stay alert, and keep your car winter-ready. Remember, black ice can appear when you least expect it, so always be prepared.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash caused by icy road conditions or black ice, we’re here to help. At our Boulder personal injury law firm, we understand the challenges of winter driving accidents and are ready to fight for you.
Call us for a free claim evaluation at 303-442-0176
Stay safe out there, Colorado!
Resources:
- Colorado Department of Transportation Winter Driving Tips
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Winter Driving
- National Weather Service Winter Safety
