How to Drive Over a Mountain Pass

The majestic beauty of the mountains is unsurpassed for its breath taking valleys and rugged peaks covered with snow. However, due to the steep grades on passes and sheer drop-offs, care is necessary when driving in the mountains.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Pop a stick of gum in your mouth before starting up the mountain pass. The quick assent upwards causes your ears to pop as the air pressure changes. By chewing gum or sipping on bottled water, you can swallow and relieve the pressure before it becomes uncomfortable.
2. Pull over if you experience dizziness or feel lightheaded. Altitude sickness affects many people, and the symptoms range from mild to severe. As the oxygen in the air thins, your body may experience some side effects. Give yourself time to adapt, take deep slow breaths and relax a few minutes before continuing.
3. Slow down when beginning your descent after crossing the pass. Instead of riding your brakes on steep roads, shift your car into a lower gear and take your time descending.
4. Notice the runaway truck routes you pass on your way down the mountain. Although they are rarely used, keep an eye in your rearview mirror as you drive in case a truck is careening out of control.
5. Drive only as fast as you can handle the sharp turns of a mountain pass. Drivers who are unaccustomed to hairpin turns may find their car drifting over the center line or towards the edge of the cliff. Slow down. Even if all the other drives are taking the turns quickly, you could have an accident if you overdrive your skill level.
6. Stop for a moment to let other cars by if you're going so slowly that traffic backs up behind you. Most mountain drivers realize that not everyone is comfortable with the windy roads and steep grades, but they expect you to be courteous and pull over occasionally to let them pass.