How to Drive on Mountain Roads

Mountain locations often have overlooks along the sides of the roads that offer wonderful views and chances for photographs. Driving on mountain roads can be dangerous. Here are some driving tips that will help for your next mountain road excursion.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Time
• Patience
• Good breaks

1. The most important driving tip for mountain roads is to keep plenty of distance between yourself and the car in front of you. This is a good tip for driving period, but on mountain roads it's even more important that you have enough stopping time should you need it.
   
   It is very possible you could push another car off the mountain if you couldn't stop in time. Most mountain roads have guard rails, but they aren't always sturdy enough to stop a vehicle.
2. Another important driving tip for mountain roads is to drive slowly. Often mountain roads are very curvy and driving at fast speeds will have you skidding through the turn, or missing it altogether and running off the road or the side of the mountain. Watch the road signs for indication of very sharp curves and slow down accordingly.
3. When going to make a stop at an overlook be sure to signal in plenty of time. Should you not have enough time it's better to go on by and find a turning around point, or catch it on the return trip down the mountain.
4. Getting back onto the road from a mountain overlook is just as dangerous as turning into one. Some overlooks are situated in curves so it will be hard to see oncoming traffic. It is always a good idea to err on the side of caution. If you see someone coming, wait. Try to look as best you can in every direction. You never know when an out of control car could be heading your way!
5. Watch other driver's closely; especially big rigs and motorcycles. Unfortunately some motorcycle riders give all the others a bad name by weaving in and out of traffic when in a hurry. Just keep an eye out for this so you can take evasive action should it be needed.
   
   Big rigs carrying loads have hard times on mountain roads. Going up will be really slow, and coming down can often be faster than they want. If you get behind a big rig don't get annoyed at the speed they are traveling. Know that they are driving slowly for the safety of all. Also, should a big rig lose control going down hill, try to get out of the way of any ramps they need to use to slow down if at all possible.
6. Finally, if the roads are icy drive extra slowly and put snow chains on your tires if possible. The best bet for icy weather is to avoid mountain roads all together, but if you do have to transverse them, just be really cautious.
   
   Doing all of these things will make your scenic trip not only enjoyable but safe as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear seat belts at all times
• Have a first aid kit and supplies handy
• Take your camera for pictures of the views
• Make sure your cell phone is charged
• Watch other drivers closely!
• Don't speed!
• Don't use your brakes continuously going downhill. Instead apply pressure for a minute or two and then let off, then pressure again. Repeating until at the bottom. This will help save brake pads!