As the winter weather continues to pummel portions of the country, we must be prepared to drive on snowy and icy roads. The winter season is one of the most dangerous times of the year for drivers across the country, especially when it comes to driving in the middle of a winter storm. The more you know about staying safe, the better off you will be when you hit the roads during a snow or ice storm.
Utilize a Winter Survival Kit
You should make sure there is enough room in the trunk of your car for a winter survival kit. The kit should include a blanket, an ice scraper, gloves, a hat, a flashlight with extra batteries, a shovel, salt, and jumper cables. You should check the contents of the kit each winter and make sure the flashlight and cables still work so you are not left out in the cold.
Clean Your Car
A handful of states have laws that require motorists to clean their vehicles before driving them during the winter months. This means that they must be free of snow and ice before hitting the roads. When a vehicle travels at a high rate of speed with snow still on it, the snow will blow off the car and potentially blind other drivers. Make sure to clean all the snow off your car, even the roof, before heading out this winter.
Take Care on Bridges and Overpasses
Motorists tend to forget that bridges and overpasses freeze quicker than normal roads. This is the reason that signs are posted stating, “Bridge ices before road.” Motorists who forget this will continue at the same speed over a bridge or overpass, running into potential problems such as sliding or spinning out on the road.
Avoid Cruise Control
Never use cruise control when driving on wet, snowy, or icy roads during the winter months. It has become commonplace for many motorists to use cruise control on long trips or when driving to and from work. It prevents you from speeding and keeps your legs from becoming fatigued. If you use cruise control during the winter months, you run the risk of making a skid much worse. When a vehicle spins while on cruise control, the wheels will spin rapidly because cruise control will still attempt to maintain the set speed. You can avoid this issue by not using cruise control until the weather turns warmer.
Leave Extra Space between Vehicles
Outside of the winter months, it is important to leave enough following distance between vehicles. It is important to add extra space to that during the winter months. Tailgating during the winter can lead to fender benders or even major accidents.
Some winter accidents involving tailgating are not serious, but serious injuries can occur while dealing with the accident as other vehicles could slide or plow into you while on the side of the road.
Have you been involved in an accident due to snow or ice? If so, contact the law office of Carey, Danis & Lowe at 877-678-3400 or by filling out the contact form on our website. We will get back to you within 24 hours to schedule a consultation.
