Winter driving requires us to take special care, and it’s easy to overlook the added risks after a long, hot summer.
Snow, sleet, and icy roads increase the chance of a car accident. However, taking a few extra precautions can significantly decrease your chance of becoming a winter accident statistic.
Get Your Vehicle Winter Ready
There are some simple steps to get your car winter ready. Check the tires are in good condition or change to snow tires. Seasonal tires provide better traction and improve braking ability on slippery roads.
Switch out your wiper blades to winter wiper blades with an additional protective rubber layer designed not to freeze and stick to your windshield.
Did you know that it’s illegal to drive in some states with snow and ice on your vehicle? Keep a combo ice scraper and snow brush in your car to help your visibility and stay within the law.
Make sure your oil has the correct viscosity for your vehicle at this time of year. Oil thickens as the temperature drops, and it won’t lubricate properly if it’s too thick.
If you find yourself in a car accident caused by a negligent driver who has failed to drive safely in winter conditions, contact attorneys like Zinda Law Firm for prompt, expert advice.
Adjust Your Driving Behavior
Every year, 24% of weather-related vehicle accidents occur on slushy, icy, or snowy roads. Further, according to the US Department of Transportation, 15% occur during sleet or snowfall.
Many cities lower their speed limits by 305-40% in the winter to reduce car accidents. Don’t wait to be told. Be proactive and adjust your speed according to the conditions, particularly if you are driving in falling snow.
Ice decreases friction between the tires on your vehicle and the road. Sharp cornering or braking can lead to losing control, so plan two steps ahead when you need to stop or turn.
Don’t underestimate sleet that is incredibly slippery or black ice that you can’t see and forms at around zero degrees. Be aware of what you can’t see and what you can.
Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle
If you get stuck, always ensure you have some basic provisions. A roadside winter emergency kit should include warm clothes, snow boots, a reflective jacket or parka, drinks, and snacks.
Also, keep a blanket, shovel, flashlight, and something to add traction to ice, whether sand, salt, or even cat litter. The latter can help add traction if a tire gets stuck in the snow.
There are pre-made kits that you can add to or put your own together.
If you are going on a long journey, always check the weather forecast before you leave.
Final Thoughts
A little planning and some sensible precautions can make the difference between safe winter driving and an accident. Sometimes, it can be impossible to avoid personal injury as you may be the victim of another driver’s negligence, but you should still take all possible steps to protect yourself on the roads this winter.
Last Updated on by Icy Tales Team