How To Stay Safe When Road-Tripping Through Mountains

Road trips can take you through all sorts of amazing places, the mountains being one. However, whether you’re getting to a ski destination or simply cruising around peaks, you should leave with some extra caution. Mountains, even in summer, are unpredictable environments that can be dangerous for unsuspecting drivers. Discover how to stay safe when road-tripping through mountains.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Mountain Roads

Before you hit the road, make sure your car or truck is up to the task. Start with the brakes and tires. If you can’t stop on windy roads, you could get into serious trouble on the mountain. Likewise, your tires should have ample tread depth and an all-weather or snow tread pattern. This way, you don’t risk getting stuck or sliding if you encounter wet or snowy roads.

Next up should be your lights. Mountains are more prone to developing fog than lower elevations, so you must have fog lights for safe driving. These headlights also make it easier to see in the rain and snow, which are other common mountain weather events. Take a look at your turn and taillights as well.

Finally, pack a spare tire, tire chains, and an emergency kit with water, food, blankets, first aid supplies, jumper cables, and a flashlight.

Watch the Weather

Mountain weather doesn’t always play nice. One moment, you’re driving under clear skies, and the next, you’re caught in a downpour.

If the weather is supposed to be terrible, avoid driving that day. However, you can’t always predict sudden rain or snow. If you get caught off guard, focus on driving safely and defensively. Slow down, limit distractions, and stay in control. You might have to pull over to outfit your tires with the chains you packed.

Additional Tips

Mountain roads usually have challenging hairpin turns, narrow lanes, sudden drop-offs, and the occasional loose rock on the road. Follow these additional tips to stay safe:

Always stick to the speed limit (or go slower if necessary). Speeding on curves is a hard no-no.
Use lower gears when driving downhill to prevent your brakes from overheating.
Pay attention to road signs, especially ones warning of sharp turns, wildlife crossings, or falling rocks. These signs are there for a reason!
Avoid distractions while driving. Save your scenic photo-op stops for designated viewing areas.