With winter comes ice, snow and reckless drivers. While you cannot control those sharing the road with you, there are things you can do to remain safe on the roads and hopefully avoid collision with cars or property.
Essential Winter Driving Tips
- Prepare Your Vehicle – Before driving this winter, take your car in and have it inspected to make sure it is prepared for winter. This could include changing your tires to winter or all-season models, topping off antifreeze levels, filling washer fluid with antifreeze varieties, installing new wiper blades, and inspecting the car battery. If you have not changed your oil, consider changing to a viscosity approved for winter driving use.
- Create an Emergency Kit – An emergency kit will not prevent accidents, but it becomes useful in the event you are in an accident or if your vehicle breaks down. Your kit should include blankets, a first aid kit, a flashlight, emergency flashes or triangles, bottles of water, jumper cables, candles/matches and a shovel.
- Know How to Control in a Skid – Skids and slips are common during the winter – even with winter tires and four-wheel drive. Do not let fear take over as your vehicle skids and do not use the brakes immediately. Instead, keep your hands tight on the wheel and remove your foot from the accelerator to help bring your vehicle out of the skid.
- Antilock Brakes Must Be Used Carefully – Even though your vehicle is likely equipped with antilock brakes, it does not mean they cannot cause you harm. Never slam on the brake pedal; instead, pulsate it carefully and keep your vehicle straight as you do so.
- Realize All Wheel Drive Has Limitations – An all-wheel drive is not a 100 percent proof way to make it through snow and ice. Your AWD only aids in acceleration and braking, but it cannot give you more grip on corners or help you stop on a dime.
- Never Underestimate the Road – Always be aware of road conditions ahead and never underestimate them. If the temperatures are below freezing, assume that ice will be present on the road and drive cautiously around bridges and exiting or entering the highway.
- Slow Down – When visibility is low or weather conditions worsen, do not speed to your destination. Instead, drive with caution, slow down and make sure you give yourself extra room to turn and stop between vehicles.
- Do Not Drive Distracted – Distracted driving is dangerous on good days – and could be fatal in poor weather. Do not text, talk or do anything that distracts you while trying to drive in adverse weather. Instead, wait until you are at a safe place to stop before doing so.
Injured in a Car Accident This Winter? Contact Berkowitz and Hanna LLC
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident this winter due to a reckless winter driver, contact the team at Berkowitz and Hanna LLC. Contact Berkowitz and Hanna LLC today to schedule a no obligation case evaluation. Call us or contact us online to get started.
