Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Many rental agencies stipulate that damage a car suffers while being driven on unpaved roads is not covered by the
insurance they offer.
Companies operating in Colorado:
Alamo
(
800-327-9633;
www.alamo.com
)
Avis
(
800-831-2847;
www.avis.com
)
Budget
(
800-527-0700;
www.budget.com
)
Dollar
( 800-800-4000;
www.dollar.com
)
Enterprise
( 800-325-8007;
www.enterprise.com
)
Hertz
(
800-654-3131;
www.hertz.com
)
National
(
800-227-7368;
www.nationalcar.com
)
Rent-A-Wreck
(
800-944-7501;
www.rent-a-wreck.com
)
Thrifty
(
800-847-4389;
www.thrifty.com
)
Drive-Aways
Drive-away agencies find people to transport a car for the owner. This can be a cheap way to get around if you meet eli-
gibility requirements. Applicants need a valid license and a clean driving record. Generally drivers pay for gas and a
small refundable deposit. You need to be flexible about dates and destinations. Search for drive-away and auto transport
companies online.
Legal Matters
»
Speed limits on Colorado state highways range from 55mph to 65mph, and go as high as 75mph on I-70. Limits in
city CBDs is 25mph and it's 35mph in residential areas. On open mountain highways the speed limit is 40mph.
»
Texting from cell phones while driving is prohibited, and drivers under the age of 18 years are prohibited from using
cell phones.
»
Colorado's highway patrol is famously intolerant of speeding and if you're consistently flouting the speed limit you'll
get booked.
»
Seat belts are required for the driver and front seat passenger and for all passengers on highways and interstates. On
motorcycles, helmets are required for anyone under 18.
»
Driving while impaired (DWI) is defined as having a blood-alcohol level of 0.05% or above, and will probably land
you in jail and definitely earn you heavy fines.
Safety
»
Much of Colorado is open-range country where livestock and deer forage along the highway. Pay attention to the
roadside, especially at night.
»
During winter months, tire chains may be required. Some roads require chains or 4WD. It's a good idea to keep a set
of chains in the trunk.
