Spending time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life at a ski resort in Utah sounds like a winter dream come true. The snow, slopes, and hot cocoa by the fire in a cozy lodge are a great way to unwind. Whether you’re going on a solo trip or traveling for a family vacation, a Utah ski resort is sure to leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
When it’s time for a vacation, many people only think about the destination and forget to think about how they’re going to get there. Driving to a Utah ski resort isn’t the same as taking a road trip to Disneyland. The snowy weather poses a danger to everyone on the road. There are certain precautions you’ll need to take to make sure you arrive safely and legally.
Make Sure Your Tires Are Prepared for the Trip
In areas that experience snow and ice often, regular tires aren’t going to cut it. Some places may let you get by without snow tires, but the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) doesn’t want unprepared vehicles on the most dangerous roads. To enforce this, they have placed restrictions on some routes.
It is essential to review Utah’s road restriction locations, be aware of the traction laws in place, and verify that your vehicle’s tires are qualified to be on the roads you’re taking. If you are not used to driving on snow and ice, do not take any risks. Saving money by not buying snow tires is not worth the accident it may cause.
Find Real-Time Updates on Road Conditions
Snowy weather can be dangerously unpredictable. Road conditions can change quickly, turning from safe to perilous on a dime. Stay informed by looking online for real-time updates on the condition of the roads in the area.
You may be able to find updates posted by the ski resort you’re visiting. Some resorts have updates on their official social media accounts, the Ski Utah Snow Report app, and the Ski Utah Snow Report webpage.
Know How to Drive Safely in the Snow
Winter drivers should know to prepare beforehand, drive slowly, watch out for black ice, and be mindful of other cars on the road. To avoid rushing, make sure to manage your time wisely and leave with plenty of time to reach your destination. When people are in a hurry, they tend to speed, which is especially dangerous on winter roads. It is better to drive well below the speed limit, so anticipate slow travel times.
Driving slowly is also beneficial if you encounter black ice or have limited visibility. You never know when you may need to come to a sudden stop. It’s easier to maintain control and tire traction if you aren’t going too fast. It is also a best practice not to use cruise control. Finally, be aware of the vehicles around you as they may alert you to problems more quickly, giving you extra time to react safely.
Know How to Drive around Snowplows
It may not have crossed your mind that you will need to adjust your regular winter driving habits when encountering a snowplow. Snowplows clear the roads of ice and snow and make them safe for driving, but you have to be careful when driving around them. To stay safe around snowplows, you should keep a few things in mind. UDOT has a snowplow map that uses GPS tracking so that anyone can see the plows’ locations. If a snowplow is on your route, make sure you keep your distance and give them room to work. Because they create a snow cloud as they move, avoid passing them or do so with extreme caution.
Also, remember to watch your speed around snowplows because they travel well below the speed limit. Give yourself plenty of time to slow down if you see yourself approaching one. Like other large vehicles, the snowplow operator has a limited field of vision. Even if you can see them, you may be in their blind spot, which is why it’s crucial to keep your distance. You need some buffer room in case of sudden stops or turns.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Utah Personal Injury Lawyer
Many people don’t know or don’t implement winter driving best practices. Even though the winter weather brings an increased risk of danger, there are still those who will act recklessly and do not take the proper precautions to travel safely. Someone behaving recklessly and endangering those around them shouldn’t cost you the opportunity to enjoy a winter vacation. If a reckless driver has injured you in Utah, contact a personal injury lawyer to help you fight for what you deserve.
The legal team at Feller & Wendt, LLC™ has more than 70 years of combined experience helping victims recover damages from different personal injury cases and can help you hold the negligent party accountable for their actions. Schedule a free legal consultation with our personal injury attorneys if you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one due to someone’s carelessness on the road. Let us fight for your rights and help secure a fair settlement for your case. Call 801.499.5060 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation today.
