Every metropolitan area comes with a unique set of driving challenges. With its unique terrain, sporadic weather patterns, rapid growth, and busy highway travel that can vary widely, Denver and its surrounding cities are no different.
While all motorists are affected by these factors, new drivers, and even the more seasoned drivers who have just relocated to Denver, may find them particularly challenging. In order to navigate safely down the road, it’s important to look ahead, adapt to local traffic patterns, and apply safe driving skills in ways that harmonize with the distinctive traits of the area.
If you’re a recently licensed driver, a parent of a student driver, or a new resident or visitor, these tips will help all parties stay safe when driving in the Denver metro area:
Plan for Congested Traffic
It’s no secret that the Denver metro area has been experiencing a huge amount of growth, a fact that has resulted in notable frustrations to communities. From soaring rental prices to concerns about preserving natural areas, the impact of the rising population is taking a toll on both city streets and major highway corridors.
One of the major areas being affected by the growth is traffic. With more cars on the road, the roads are naturally more congested, which makes commutes take longer. To stay safe around clogged roads, keep the following tips in mind:
- Leave early. Being in a rush can lead to risky driving behaviors, so always allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
- Utilize technology. Apps like Waze can direct you to the least crowded route and can notify you of any expected delays.
- Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. In Colorado, the rule is that you should keep three seconds between cars in front of you, which is designed to prevent sudden braking and rear-end collisions.
- Use your signals. It’s always important to use your turn signals to communicate with other drivers, but it’s especially crucial when congested roads force motorists to drive so close to one another.
- Avoid weaving in and out of lanes. Zig-zagging in and out of crowded lanes in an attempt to move faster through traffic is dangerous, so try to stay in one lane as much as possible; in dense traffic, the middle lane can sometimes be the most predictable option.
- Avoid distractions. Just because you’re stuck in lagging traffic doesn’t mean it’s a good opportunity to text, change radio stations, etc. Heavy traffic, even at a standstill, requires your full attention. It’s also courteous to accelerate promptly when traffic lights turn green, while still watching for red lights and drivers who enter the intersection late so you do not stall vehicles waiting to turn. If you are distracted, not only is it unsafe, but you will hold traffic up even more.
- Remain calm. It’s natural to grow impatient when you’re stuck in slow moving traffic, but try your best to remain calm, especially since some locals consider Denver drivers among the worst drivers. Growing angry or irritable can lead to impulsive decision-making, and it can also create confrontational situations with other drivers. If a driver acts aggressively towards you, do not react, and avoid making eye contact.
Let the Rocky Mountains Guide You
In Denver and many of its surrounding areas, you can see the Rocky Mountains from almost anywhere. If you are ever unsure of your direction, remember that the mountains face west, which makes it easier to identify north, south, and east as you navigate Denver’s grid. For many locals, the famous Rockies serve as a beautiful reference point.
Take Advantage of the Light Rail in the Denver Metro Area
In many of Denver’s most popular areas, parking is pretty accessible. However, finding free or metered parking in downtown Denver can be exceptionally frustrating, and parking garages — along with some hotel parking during busy periods — can be expensive or limited.
There are numerous light rail stations all over the city, and you can park your car for free at most of the stations’ parking lots. Even when parking is not free, the most you’ll pay is $4 every 24 hours, which is far more affordable than downtown rates, especially if you want to explore central areas without dealing with parking. When there’s a big event going on or when it’s rush hour, this option is usually more convenient and much faster than driving.
For light rail information relating to locations, schedules, and parking, visit the RTD website.
Drive Cautiously Around Bicyclists
The Denver metro area is home to countless outdoor enthusiasts, many of whom take their bikes out on the roads, especially when the weather is warm.
In Colorado, bicyclists are legally allowed to ride in the streets alongside traffic. They have the same rights and responsibilities as others operating vehicles, so it’s important to be cautious and respectful when driving alongside cyclists. Always watch for pedestrians walking at crosswalks and yield carefully.
For in-depth information, check out our article on how cars and bikes can safely share the road.
Be Prepared for Sudden Weather and Road Conditions Changes
Colorado weather is known for being erratic, and residents frequently recite a mantra that illustrates the rapidly changing forecast: If you don’t like the weather in Colorado, wait five minutes.
Because conditions can shift quickly in both summer and winter, a breezy, sunny day can swiftly turn into rain clouds, golf ball-sized hail, and strong wind, so it’s important to be prepared for sudden weather changes.
Here are a few pieces of advice to help you stay safe:
- Make sure your tires have adequate traction and are in good shape. Heat can slowly weaken the rubber, making your tires more susceptible to cracks and tread wear.
- Check your tire pressure regularly. Severe cold weather can lower tire pressure, while heat can cause the pressure to expand. Abide by the pressure recommendations from the owner’s manual that came with your car.
- Keeping your car’s fluids at proper levels can help prevent any weather-related issues. Check your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield fluid regularly, or if you don’t know how, take your car to a service provider who can do this for you.
- Always ensure your windshield wipers work. Rain and snow storms can occur unexpectedly, and it’s both illegal and unsafe to operate a vehicle without working wipers.
- Check weather reports for the areas you’ll be driving through. You can use apps like COtrip.org or call the Colorado hotline 511, to get real-time updates on road conditions and construction before you leave.
- Make sure your heat/AC work. Having working heat and air conditioning will keep you comfortable and safe when temperatures reach extreme lows and highs, and don’t forget to test both before taking a longer trip across multiple weather patterns.
Be Careful Driving in the Mountains
Part of what makes the Denver metro area so alluring is that mountains are so readily accessible. Many Coloradans spend their free time embarking on scenic adventures into the Rockies.
While driving in the mountains offers an incredible experience, the terrain can take some getting used to for new drivers or those who have no experience driving in this environment. In order to keep risk to a minimum, there are some safety measures to follow, such as:
- Only drive in the mountains if your vehicle is up-to-date on all maintenance and repairs. Navigating steep inclines and declines along with curvy roads takes more of a toll on your vehicle than driving on city roads. It’s especially important that your brakes are in solid shape and that your engine is protected from overheating.
- Keep your gas tank full. There aren’t many gas stations in mountainous areas, and in more remote areas it’s smart to keep at least half a tank since you also use more fuel driving up inclines. If you see an opportunity to top off, take advantage of it.
- Don’t ride your brakes on a steep decline. Instead, lightly tap on your brakes to control your speed or shift into a lower gear.
- If your engine is struggling, turn off the AC. Using AC puts more strain on your engine and may cause it to overheat. This is especially important when driving on an incline.
- Before a severely steep incline or decline, shift to a lower gear. This can prevent you from over overworking your brakes and engine.
- Do not cut or hug corners. It’s important that a vehicle coming from the opposite direction has adequate space to turn.
- Be mindful of drivers behind you. If you are driving slowly and notice a long train of vehicles behind you, pull over in a turnout (or the right lane if applicable) and let them pass, and on longer trips stop when it’s safe to stretch.
- Only pass with clear visibility. Never change lanes around a blind corner.
- Some mountain roads are extremely narrow and don’t offer room for more than one vehicle. Keep in mind that the vehicle traveling uphill has the right of way.
- If making a turn on an extremely narrow mountain road, be cautious of drivers coming from the other direction and drive slowly. If you can’t see around the corner, you can honk to let anybody approaching know that you are there.
- Bring paper maps if you’re unfamiliar with an area. Many mountain areas have spotty or non-existent cell phone service, and some routes connect to towns outside Denver, including Boulder, Golden, or Castle Rock depending on where you go.
- Watch for wildlife. In the mountains, it’s not uncommon for wild animals to wander into the road, so stay focused to prevent a collision.
- Be mindful driving in high elevation. Those who are not acclimated to higher altitudes can feel dehydrated, nauseous and dizzy, and mountain weather and road conditions can become a bit more challenging as elevation rises. Stay hydrated, and don’t push yourself past your limits.
- Make sure your emergency care kit is complete. Read more on this below, since these supplies help protect you if conditions deteriorate.
Always Have an Emergency Kit In Your Vehicle
Unexpected things can happen on the road, and carrying an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times is a smart idea, especially if you plan to travel to remote parts of the country, the mountains, or other areas without cell phone service.
Here are some important items to include:
- Water
- Non-perishable food
- Spare tire
- Jumper cables
- Car jack
- Set of tools
- Car charger/spare phone charger
- Flares
- Extra clothing layers
- Space blanket
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- First aid kit
- Ice scraper
- Kitty litter (for traction)
- Sunscreen
- Window washer fluid
- Weather-alert radio (This can give you updates on inclement weather if you don’t have any cell phone service.)
- Satellite messenger (This would allow you to call for assistance and alert authorities of your GPS location if you needed help in a remote location. It’s a good idea for anyone who plans to frequently drive through/to areas with no cell phone service.)
Take an Advanced Drivers Ed Course from a Denver Metro Driving School
Sometimes the best way to learn how to drive in a specific location is to learn from somebody who is an expert on both driving and the broader Denver area.
If you want to gain the skills necessary to safely drive in Denver, the surrounding communities and the mountains, it can be beneficial to seek out a Denver metro driving school. Drivers education isn’t only for those who are looking to get their licenses; it can be beneficial for anyone looking to advance their current skill-set.
Advanced courses, such as a defensive skills class, can help you learn better emergency-response tactics, hazard prevention skills, car maintenance abilities, and local traffic laws while improving real-world decision-making behind the wheel. When you choose to continue your education with a driving instructor from the area, you’ll also gain valuable insight and advice on how to safely navigate this unique region of Colorado.
Contact DriveSafe Driving Schools Today!
DriveSafe has been serving the Denver-Metro areas for over three decades, and we’ve worked hard to gain our reputation as Colorado’s most trusted driving school.
After successfully training over 75,000 students in the area, we know how to assist anyone interested in becoming a safe driver for life.
Contact us today to see how we can help you with your driving goals!
