How To Drive Safely In Winter Conditions

An automobile accident is prevalent during winter because of the icy or snowy roads. There are also other dangerous factors such as the wind, freezing, and less visibility. It is extremely dangerous and frightening. However, there are some ways and techniques you can use to stay safe as much as possible.

It would be better if you only drive if it is urgent. Do not disregard weather forecasts, it may not be showing at first, but things could get worse while you are on the road. Thus, weigh it up if it is worth the risks. Accidents are not we wish for, but it could come anytime. You could also get stranded in the midst of the cold. It could be better if you are just inside your home sipping hot tea. But if you go out, you should know that you are expected to be more cautious or do other things to prevent an accident.

What To Prepare Before Your Trip

●     Inform someone of your destination, route, and the expected time of arrival. Also, notify that person when you reach your destination. Thus, someone could report as soon as possible if there is a possibility of an accident for search and rescue to be held urgently to avoid worse scenarios.

●     Fill your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze up, and you can also run the engine to keep warm if you get stuck in a queue.

●     Store extra gasoline in your vehicle for emergency purposes.

●     Keep a bag of supplies in the car such as food, water, warm clothing, blanket, first aid kit, flashlight, fully charged cellular phone, shovel, sandbags, and deicing fluid.

●     Your tire tread depths should be at least 3mm to have a grip in slippery conditions. If you live in a snowy climate, it could be wise to buy snow tires as it has particular tire treads that cut through the snow and has a type of rubber that does not freeze and gets hard.

What To Do While Driving  

●     Stick to the major roads as much as possible.

●     Keep your headlights on dipped beam to improve your vision as well as make yourself more visible and enable other drivers to see you even when it is snowing.

●     Double your distance with the car in front of you and look out for brake lights. Stopping in icy conditions takes ten times longer. Thus, you should be around 20 seconds behind.

●     Drive slowly. Everything gets longer in snowy and icy road such as steering, stopping, and accelerating. When you make abrupt changes, it will cause your tire to skid or lose it grip on the surface. In a manual car, keep the engine revs low by slipping the clutch gently while automatic car should be in low ratio mode.

●     Do not accelerate while turning. Accelerating and changing direction both mean speeding and changing velocity. Instead, feather the brakes while turning. 

●     Stay aware of your surroundings. You could not know what you might come across such as fallen branches, snowdrifts, or snowplows. You could also be surprised with another vehicle skidding towards you. Thus, it pays to be vigilant not just in front of you but to each side and behind you so you can also react accordingly as soon as possible.

If you were involved and injured in a car accident due to inclement weather, you could have a car accident claims. In this case, consult a car accident attorney to know your legal rights and options.