Safe & Sound
Winter driving in Montana.
“Have you ever noticed that anyone driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?” —George Carlin
Winter is the preferred season for many Bozemanites, and for good reason. We anticipate the coming of the snow by waxing our bases, sharpening our skates, and performing routine maintenance on our snowmobiles. Many folks, however, overlook basic upkeep on their number-one tool for getting to and from the mountains: their vehicle. On top of that, winter driving can be a stressful ordeal for those unfamiliar with snowy roads, or even for longtime locals. With a few precautions, however, anyone with a suitable rig and appropriate tires can keep themselves in full control, even when the weather takes a nasty turn. Here are some tips and reminders for safe winter driving.
Ice and snow reflect an incredible amount of light which can be blinding at times. Make sure you can see the road ahead by donning appropriate eyewear.
Preparation
Four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles with all-terrain tires reign supreme, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only way to get around. If your car or truck only has two-wheel drive, consider investing in a set of snow tires to improve traction. Bridgestone Blizzaks are the gold standard, and used sets can often be found on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist at a fair price. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear before forking over any cash. If you can afford it, and don’t mind a slightly noisier ride, consider a set of studded tires to increase your traction even more.
For pickups, especially those with two-wheel-drive (e.g., Ford Maverick), place sandbags beside the wheel-wells in the bed to increase weight, improve traction, and reduce the likelihood of fishtailing. Regardless of your drivetrain, also check your battery, fluid levels, brake pads, windshield wipers, and lights. Perform necessary maintenance in a timely manner, especially if you plan on venturing into a remote area.
Finally, a pair of sunglasses can make a world of difference. Ice and snow reflect an incredible amount of light which can be blinding at times. Make sure you can see the road ahead by donning appropriate eyewear.
Safety Equipment
Regardless of where you’re going, all vehicles should be equipped with some sort of basic winter emergency kit—both for the car and its occupants, should you be stranded in the vehicle during a big storm. Though not a comprehensive list, we recommend carrying the following.
- Shovel
- Jumper cables and/or portable jumper
- Tow straps
- Tire chains
- First-aid kit (with a space blanket)
- Headlamp & spare batteries
- Sleeping bag and/or warm blankets
- Handwarmers
- Extra winter jacket, gloves, and hat
- Non-perishable food items
Dos and Don’ts
Do: Afford yourself adequate—and extra—time to reach your destination.
Don’t: Blast your horn, switch lanes, and make risky passes because you’re running late. That’s your problem and yours alone—don’t put others at risk.
Do: Drive at a “reasonable and prudent” speed. Even though Montana has since repealed this badass rule, we can still abide by its general philosophy. Dial it back, and cruise along at a pace that allows for ample reaction time.
Don’t: Think of the speed limit as the absolute bare minimum. Confucius once said, “Roads were made for journeys, not destinations,” and in this case, he’s right. Take it slow and enjoy the journey so you make it to the destination in one piece.
Do: Give a wide berth. If you find yourself asking, “Am I too close?” while driving up Bridger Canyon, the answer is almost undoubtedly, “Yes.”
Don’t: Ride someone’s bumper. It should go without saying that driving like an asshole won’t get you on the chairlift any quicker. If you wanted first tracks, you should have woken up earlier.
Do: Act as though you’re taking your driver’s exam again—hands at ten and two with your eyes fixed on the road ahead.
Don’t: Text your Hinge date while behind the wheel, or steer with your knee while eating a burrito. Really, it can wait.
Getting Home Safe
Beyond just recreating, we use our vehicles for getting around town all winter, including to and from our favorite apres watering holes. Make a plan and have a sober ride. If you can’t decide on a designated driver, use a rideshare app like Uber. It’s not always cheap, but it’s always cheaper than the cost of a DUI or taking someone’s life—potentially your own.
