Driving through Colorado’s beautiful landscapes can be an awe-inspiring experience, but it also requires constant attention, especially on busy highways, mountain passes, or during unpredictable weather. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may find yourself in a situation where a car crash is developing right in front of you.
In those moments, quick, calm, and thoughtful actions can help minimize the risk to yourself and others. Here are some practical tips to avoid maximum damage if you ever find yourself in such a situation.
It’s easy to panic when you see a crash unfolding, but keeping calm is crucial. Take a deep breath and focus on the immediate surroundings. Your brain will work faster and more effectively if you maintain your composure. Make sure to keep your eyes on the road and the vehicles ahead while assessing the situation.
In many cases, slamming on the brakes can make things worse, especially if you’re on a snowy or icy Colorado road. A sudden stop could lead to your car skidding or getting rear-ended. Instead, ease off the gas and begin braking gently to slow down. This will give the drivers behind you time to react as well. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), it will help keep your wheels from locking, allowing you to steer while braking.
When you notice a crash ahead, quickly scan the road for potential escape routes. Is there an open shoulder to the right? Could you veer into a safer lane? Colorado’s highways often have wide shoulders or medians, especially near mountain passes or rural areas. Use these spaces if necessary to avoid a collision. However, never swerve into oncoming traffic or overcorrect—this could lead to an even more dangerous situation.
One of the best defenses is prevention. Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you gives you more time to react in any situation, including a potential crash. The Colorado Department of Transportation recommends the “three-second rule” for normal conditions, and more in bad weather. During icy or wet conditions, give yourself extra room, as stopping distances can double or even triple.
If a crash is imminent, use your horn to alert other drivers. Flash your headlights if it’s dark or visibility is low due to weather conditions. These small actions can help other drivers see the danger sooner and react accordingly.
If you must steer to avoid the crash, do so smoothly and deliberately. Sharp, jerky movements can cause you to lose control, especially if the road is slick from rain, snow, or ice. Try to guide your vehicle toward a space where there is the least risk of harm. If that means moving onto the shoulder or into a ditch, that may still be safer than colliding with another vehicle.
One of the risks of a developing crash is that other drivers may not react in time. Be aware that even if you successfully avoid the initial crash, cars behind you or in adjacent lanes might not. Keep scanning your mirrors and surroundings so you can respond to a secondary threat if necessary.
Once you’ve successfully avoided the crash, pull over to a safe location if you can. Make sure to turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers of the accident. If you’re unhurt and it’s safe, you might be able to help those involved in the crash by calling emergency services or offering assistance. In Colorado, the Good Samaritan Law protects those who provide reasonable aid to others in an emergency.
The best way to avoid the worst in any car crash is to prepare before it happens. Keep your car in good working order, check your tires regularly (especially before winter), and always adjust your driving for road and weather conditions. Familiarize yourself with Colorado’s changing terrain, from city streets to mountain roads, and stay alert to prevent accidents before they occur.
By staying calm, focused, and prepared, you can avoid maximum damage and protect yourself and others on Colorado’s roads. Safe travels!
