The mountains are beautiful, and you may enjoy driving through them, but they can also be dangerous. With winding roads, scary drops and the potential for ice and snow, the mountains can quickly become hazardous to drivers.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways that you can keep yourself safe when driving through these scenic areas. Here are five great mountain driving tips to help keep you and your family safely in your vehicle and on the road while you travel throughout Washington State.
- Give yourself time to get to your destination
The first tip is to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Ice, frost, snow and slush may make the roads hazardous, so you don’t want to be in a rush.
- Know when it’s appropriate to use chains
When winter hits hard, it’s often necessary to use chains on your tires. Check to make sure you have the right chains and that you know if you’re meant to use them at the time of your drive.
- Slow down
The next tip is to slow down. While you might think that the roads look clear and safe, remember that shadowed areas may have ice and snow even when areas in the sun don’t. It’s not uncommon for drivers to go very slowly, even if they’re the only ones on the road.
- Get to know your route in advance
Since the mountains can quickly become dangerous, you should know your route and give it to others you’re planning on visiting. Check for areas where you can get off the road if necessary.
- Change your tires
Before you drive in the winter, change your tires. All-weather or winter-weather tires are best. If you can’t get those, make sure your tires have plenty of tread to help your vehicle stay on the road.
These are five tips to help you as you drive through the mountains of Washington State without getting into a car crash. Mountain passes can be dangerous, but by preparing in advance, you can get to your destination safely.