Outside the cities, Utah roads bring steep grades, long empty desert stretches, gravel, and narrow bridges. Plan ahead, keep your vehicle ready, and adjust your driving to the road.
Know the rule
Going up steep grades, use lower gears. Coming down, gravity speeds you up: choose a safe speed, use proper braking, and use a low gear.
Handbook p. 69 ↗Mountain driving:
- If your car struggles uphill, pull off at a safe place or stay right to let others pass
- Watch speed limit and warning signs for curves and steep hills
- Never exceed a posted maximum safe speed
- Going downhill on a narrow road, yield to vehicles going uphill
- Don't coast downhill in neutral or with the clutch disengaged
- Stay close to the right edge to avoid oncoming traffic
- Sound your horn before a sharp curve on a narrow road with an obstructed view
Know the rule
In a lightning storm, only a hard-topped vehicle protects you. Close all doors and windows, don't touch metal surfaces, and don't use a radio connected to an external antenna. Otherwise, the safest place is a well-built building with plumbing and wiring.
Handbook p. 69 ↗Desert driving:
- Not used to heat? Skip summer desert trips; if you must go, stay on freeways in an air-conditioned car
- Carry enough water for everyone to survive a breakdown, plus water for the radiator
- Watch the radiator temperature and coolant level
- If you break down, stay with the vehicle unless help is a few minutes' walk away
- Off major highways, carry plenty of gas and water
- Don't take side roads unless you know where they go
Rural road hazards
| Hazard | What to do |
|---|---|
| Gravel or dirt | Less traction: slow down, add following distance |
| Narrow roads | Slow down, center in lane, watch for oncoming |
| Narrow or single-lane bridge | First driver to the bridge has right-of-way |
| Open gratings or steel bridges | Slow, add distance, grip the wheel firmly |
| Limited view (woods, crops, hills) | Slow down and be ready to stop |
| Uncontrolled intersections | Approach with caution, ready to stop |
Know the rule
Before any trip, check windshield and windows, lights, tires, fluid levels, belts, hoses, and brakes. Sleep well the night before, avoid city rush hours, and plan route numbers, exits, rest, fuel, and food stops, and construction areas.
Handbook p. 71 ↗Put it into practice
On a narrow canyon road you're heading downhill when a truck climbs toward you where there's room for only one. You pull over and let the uphill truck pass, because downhill traffic must yield.