Traveling through Utah’s majestic canyons offer some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. However, exploring the beauty of these natural wonders comes with its own unique set of driving challenges. Canyons typically have long winding roads that are typically more narrow than your average city street. With these more difficult roads to travel on they can be difficult to navigate if you are not familiar with the area. As leading personal injury attorneys in Utah, we understand dangers of driving in canyons and just how dangerous they can be. Here, we will be sharing essential tips on how you can travel safely in canyons, and what you can do to stay safe while exploring stunning landscapes across the world.
Stay Driving Techniques in Canyons
Canyon roads are well known for having sharp turns, steep inclines, and sometimes unpredictable weather and road conditions. Here are some safe driving techniques that can help you stay safe while driving in a canyon:
Maintain a Safe Speed
Speed limits in canyons are specifically set based on the average safe speed for those roads. Speed limits in canyons are designed to keep you safe, especially on turns. Be sure to maintain or even go below the recommended speed limit to give you more time to react to sudden changes in the road or unexpected debris on the road.
Keep Your Distance
Keeping a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you is a great way to stay safe in a canyon. This distance acts as a cushion to protect you and your passengers in case of any sudden changes on the road. Consider increasing the distance between you and the vehicle you are following in a canyon, as this additional time will give you more time to react to sharp turns and sudden stops, and can help you avoid getting into a car accident.
Stay Alert
Canyon driving requires your full and undivided attention. Try and keep any distractions to a minimum, this includes listening to loud music, going on your phone, or even talking to other people in the vehicle. Try to keep your eyes on the road and stay focused, as is vital to you and your passengers safety.
Slowing Down on Turns
The winding nature of canyon roads means that turns can often be very sharp or unexpected. Slowing down before you enter a turn is crucial, as taking a turn too fast can lead to a rollover or an accident.
Reduce Speed Before the Turn
Braking during a turn can cause the tires to lose traction, leading to skidding. Instead, slow down before you enter the turn to help you maintain control of the vehicle.
Using Brakes Sparingly
One of the key challenges when driving in a canyon is managing your vehicle’s speed on steep inclines and declines. To prevent your brakes from burning out:
Use Engine Braking and Downshifting
Engine braking will help reduce the reliance on your vehicle’s brakes and will help prevent them from overheating. You can do this by shifting your car into a lower gear to control your vehicle’s speed on a steep hill. This reduces the need for constant brake application, thus preventing brake wear.
Pulse Braking
If you need to use your brakes on a long descent, apply them in short, controlled bursts rather than pressing down continuously. This method helps to reduce heat build up in the brakes, decreasing the likelihood of your brakes failing.
Driving in Inclement Weather
Weather in canyons can change rapidly, presenting additional challenges. Here is what to do in various weather conditions:
Rain and Wet Roads
When their is rain on the road be sure that you increase your following distance as wet roads can significantly increase stopping distances. Try and avoid any standing water or puddles on the road, driving through a puddle can lead to hydroplaning at high speeds, and be sure to use your headlights to improve visibility of the road ahead of you.
Fog
If the canyon is foggy, reduce your speed and use low beam headlights or fog lights to improve visibility. Fog can be extremely dangerous in a canyon as it can make turns and other drivers much harder to see. If the fog is too dense, consider pulling over in a safe location until visibility improves.
Snow and Ice
Canyons can have very large amounts of snow, if you are planning to drive in a canyon in the winter consider using snow tires or chains to improve traction. In the snow be sure to drive at reduced speeds, avoid sudden movements, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
Driving through Utah’s canyons can be a breathtaking experience, but it requires caution and preparedness, especially during inclement weather. By following these tips from our experienced Utah personal injury attorneys, you can enjoy the beauty of canyon driving while minimizing the risk of accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured in a canyon, or by the negligence of someone else, be sure to contact the best Utah injury attorneys at LifeLaw Personal Injury. Let our team of experienced car accident lawyers help you navigate the complexities of the legal field and get you the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation! 801-206-4002.