Vent: 1st Time Winter Drivers (Denver: rental car, rental, insurance)

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by guyatwork37

Someone on my street was telling me that the late winter was predictable due to this being an El Nino year and that it happens every time that is the case. They also said that El Nino years mean heavy snowfall on early winter as opposed to late. So there is hope?

This is supposed to be a La Nina year.

ETA: Oops! Forgot link. https://www.climate.gov/enso

[Lostinspace78]

I just came back from living overseas in Europe, the Middle East and SEA and I'm originally from Chicago. I have seen some horrible and dangerous driving in my life but nothing compares to the death traps of 25 and 70 around Denver. I rather drive around angry maniacs with some skill and purpose than navigate my way around ignorance. This will be my first winter here and I'm dreading it.

[randomparent]

I don't think it's a first time winter driver problem. A lot of people coming to Colorado are from the Midwest, where it most certainly snows. Even those moving from places like California probably grew up elsewhere, likely where it snows. (I grew up in the Great Lakes region, so I absolutely know how to drive in winter weather and am smart enough to stay off the roads completely when conditions are truly dangerous.)

I think what you're seeing is just the result of increased traffic on roads that were not designed to handle it. All that being said, I live in the south metro where I-25 is currently under construction. Every day, I'm grateful to have structured our family's life such that we rarely have to go anywhere near a highway. We try to tell people thinking of moving here to live where you work. Bad weather commuting is a big part of the reason why.

[Vision67]

I've driven in snow in Colorado for 39 years. The problem is traction on icy and snowy roads.

If you don't have to drive, stay home. Now that I'm retired, that's my solution. AWD does not make up for inferior traction.

Most people rely on the all weather tires that come standard on most cars. That's a mistake.

If you must drive, get a set of winter tires. Blizzaks or Michelin Ice are two good brands. The $600 cost of a set of winter tires easily pays for itself by avoiding just one accident. The difference in performance is awesome

Remember, although the brakes stop the wheel, the tires stop the car.

[himain]

I agree. I came from Miami and drove like 30mph in the right lane and couldn't believe the people who flew past me and then further on down the road where A) in the medium B) spun out facing wrong way.


I've had AWD cars since I've moved here and now is the first time I've put Blizzaks on my car due to the distance I'm driving to my current job (up I70 to Evergreen). My two jobs previously were literally just blocks away and I just took it slow and smart.

[Ghengis]

Originally Posted by Avangeliz

I was born in Denver and I generally have never liked driving when winter hits but I'm even more anxious now as there a lot of people moving here who have never had to drive in the snow before.

They buy a Subaru Outback or some type of awd and drive like the the roads are not covered in snow.

Do you have any pet peeves about driving in the winter?

yes, seasoned drivers driving 4WD or AWD and driving like the roads are not covered in snow

[Tim Tim Tim]

snow tires make a far bigger impact than AWD. I wont drive in the winter in a snowy area without them.

[randomparent]

Just thought I'd mention that at least one well-regarded Denver area driving school offers a winter driving course for those who would like to brush up their skills or for those who have never had the pleasure of driving in snowy or icy conditions and would like to learn how. It's worth every penny.

[alloo66]

Coloradans don't have the monopoly on winter driving skills. What makes you think that people are static and don't learn. Stop playing into people's fear. Every state that I lived in stated that they have the best/worst drivers. Colorado is no exception. Maybe we need a driver's ed for people. TV stations warn people to slow down during snow storms. You're not in control.

[Avangeliz]

Originally Posted by alloo66

Coloradans don't have the monopoly on winter driving skills. What makes you think that people are static and don't learn. Stop playing into people's fear. Every state that I lived in stated that they have the best/worst drivers. Colorado is no exception. Maybe we need a driver's ed for people. TV stations warn people to slow down during snow storms. You're not in control.

Haa wow, I always get some snarky/ defensive comment on this forum. It never fails.


I know some people adjust their driving skills eventually and I never did say Colorado has the best snow drivers. If that was the case I wouldn't be making this post. This is a vent post. I'm venting about the upcoming snow and the crazy new people on the road with awd.