Over the weekend, a cold front rolled into Colorado and we are expecting another round of storms as we head into Thanksgiving break. With cold weather came the snow and worry for some student drivers, “I don’t want to get into an accident and have to worry about the process with other drivers.” Janielle Meastas (11) said. She said the slick roads were very challenging, “When I got out into the street, there was a lot of accidents. I actually slid and hit a curb and I was sliding at times.”

According to AAA Exchange, you should avoid driving while you’re tired, never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, make certain your tires are properly inflated, never mix radial tires with other tire types, and keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up. Also, if possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather. Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface and always look and steer where you want to go. Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

There are many tricks to driving during bad weather. Things like slowing down, paying attention to ice and even having a full tank of gas can help, “Drive slowly because student drivers don’t have as much experience with bad weather. The roads may look okay but ice is a tricky thing. It sneaks up and gets you. Always have an emergency kit in your car. Carry an ice scraper, sand or kitty litter just in case you get stuck on ice, an extra set of gloves and a hat and always keep your gas tank full so if you get stranded you will still have heat. Always be aware of the bridges and overpasses they are the iciest, they are always more treacherous. Your life is more important than where you’re going so take it easy,” EHS Counselor Mary Abbott said.

Even adults still worry about driving in the snow, “I hate driving in the snow. It’s not necessarily scary but I worry about the other person driving because they might cause an accident with me,” MaryHelen Friesen, the athletic director secretary, said.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), in 2016 there were 7,292 crashes caused by snow, sleet, or hail. That is twice the number of accidents that occur in the rain (3,729). In October, ahead of the bad weather, CDOT posted Preps for Winter Storms. It is a list of “must know” information for drivers braving the roads.

Darwin Porix says it’s all about practice and confidence, “At first I was kinda scared to drive in the snow because of the ice and having the worry to slide and be in an accident. But after I did (drive in the snow) I wasn’t as much, and my car is good in the snow.”