Colorado is one of if not the best place to ski in the nation. With the holidays over, the coldest and snowiest months of the year have arrived at the Rocky Mountain state.
Before you head to the slopes, there are a couple of safety precautions you need to take. Even if you are one of the most skilled skiers in the area, you are still just as vulnerable as anyone when it comes to the winter roads. Several athletes start picking up on bad habits throughout the season that could land them in a serious motor vehicle accident. If you want to take advantage of the snow as much as you can this year, you need to be careful behind the wheel to avoid any serious injuries or car damages.
Install ski racks properly
If you have multiple family members you like to take to the mountains, ski racks are great for transporting your equipment while leaving room in the car. The most popular variations tend to go on the car’s roof, but there are several different versions that you need to consider for your optimal use. Make sure you look up a guide on how to attach them to your vehicle correctly so that it can stay on your car without causing any significant harm. If you plan on attaching it to the roof, also remember to avoid areas with shorter entrances to prevent potential collisions and damages.
Be in the best condition to drive
Skiing can be an exhilarating and tiring sport where you can feel temperatures all over the place. Once you are done, make sure to take a short break inside the ski lodge before you head back home. Your fluctuating body temperatures and the toll the sport takes on your arms and legs means you may not be in the best shape to immediately start driving when you are done. You would be more likely to make a mistake while driving tired, and the winter roads allow no room for error.
Do not drive in ski boots
Ski boots are heavy, hard and difficult to walk in even for the more experienced skiers. Even though they do not leave your feet open like sandals, you should still try to avoid driving in them. Their heavy weight puts a lot of strain on your feet and gives you far less control over the accelerator and brake pedals than a normal shoe or even a boot would. The Advanced Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists also warn skiers that their feet will be readier for the slopes if they put the boots on at the hills rather than before the drive over there.
Winter already brings enough hazards for drivers as it is. If a skier neglects to perform any of these actions, they could find themselves in an easily avoidable car crash. Victims of this reckless behavior should consider the help of a personal injury attorney to seek coverage for their injuries that may impact their time at the ski resort.