Now that Christmas songs are playing on the radio and holiday movies are slowly populating theater screens, it can only mean one thing – winter weather is upon us. Although many of us love seeing a snow-white landscape while wrapping gifts or decorating our Christmas trees, the fact is that snow and icy pose a danger to drivers. To avoid being involved in a serious motor vehicle accident, there are some safety precautions you should take and some dangers you must be aware of.
The Worst Wintery Hazards
When the road is wet and the temperature drops below freezing, ice forms on the road and, since the ground warms up at a slower pace than the air, ice might still be present even if the temperature is not freezing cold. When the roads are icy, your vehicle’s tires cannot get a good group, which makes it exceptionally difficult to maintain control.
A more dangerous culprit, however, is black ice. When black ice forms on the road, it appears matte rather than glossy like most icy or wet roads. An unsuspecting driver might assume the roads are safe and lose control, which is why black ice is significantly more dangerous.
Safe Driving Tips for the Winter
Before you hit the road this winter, we compiled a list of tips that will help you avoid a tragic accident this holiday season.
Here are some safe driving tips for you to review:
- Reduce your speed, even if the weather seems clear. You never know when you might be driving on black ice.
- Always give yourself extra time to reach your destination. If you are light, you will be more tempted to speed, which will increase the likelihood of an accident.
- Keep your cell phone with you and make sure it is always fully charged. You will need it in case of an emergency or an accident.
- Keep a snow brush or ice scraper in your vehicle at all times to ensure your windshield is always clear and visibility is not compromised.
- Do not use cruise control during the winter. Doing so can slow your reaction time.
- Always check your car before going for a drive. Make sure your tire tread is not worn out and that your tires are adequately inflated. Take a look at your exhaust pipe and clear it of snow before driving.
- Keep your lights on low whenever you drive in snow.
- If you get stuck in snow, do not spin your wheels. Doing so can cause them to overheat, which could create a small explosion. Instead, try to lightly rock them back and forth.
- Keep greater distance between you and vehicles ahead. On slick roads, you will need 3 times more distance for a safe stop.
- Look out for salt on the road. Salty roads freeze over faster at low temperatures.
Speak to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today!
Winter weather can make driving more dangerous, but safe driving can help prevent them. If you were injured by a negligent driver, you have a right to pursue compensation for your suffering and the team at Tabor Law Firm, LLP can guide you through the process. With over a hundred years of combined legal experience on our side, you can trust our team to effectively represent you.
Contact us at (317) 236-9000 to schedule a free consultation.
