Driving During the Winter

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

Driving during the winter seasons comes with many risks. Slippery roads, snowstorms that can inhibit visibility, and freezing temperatures can all contribute to the occurrence of traffic accidents. In fact, between 2011 and 2015, about 800 Americans died annually in car accidents that were caused by winter weather conditions. However, there are steps you can take to ensure your and your family’s safety while traveling during the winter:

1. Keep your car maintained. Before the winter season even begins, take your car in for a tune-up and oil change. Have your mechanic check your tires and consider investing in snow tires. Make sure the exhaust pipes are not clogged with mud, ice, or snow. Blocked exhaust pipes can cause carbon monoxide gas to fill the vehicle.

2. While you should generally avoid driving while tired, under stress, or emotionally upset, you should take extra care to do so when you driving in the snow.

3. Until all other options are exercised, do not use your emergency brake in rainy, snowy, or cold weather.

4. Store a tank of gasoline in your vehicle especially if you are driving long-distance.

5. In the event that you become stranded in a snow storm, remain inside your vehicle. Your vehicle can shelter you from the cold. Do not walk away from your vehicle to try to find help, especially if you are in a remote area and there is snowy weather.

6. Before driving, check to see if there is any snow, ice, or liquid on the car’s windshield and windows. Remove any snow and ice that can prevent you from being able to see clearly while driving.

7. Drive slowly. Accidents are more likely to occur on icy roads and in snowy weather. Do not speed and make sure to have your headlights on when it is snowing.

8. Learn about your vehicle. Read your car’s manufacturer manual to grasp a better understanding of your vehicle's. Some features like antilock brakes can help minimize skidding.

9. Keep winter supplies in your car. You never know when you may be snow-bound and need extra gloves, blankets, and food.

10. When driving on icy or wet roads, exercise threshold braking. Use the ball of your foot to put steady pressure on the brake, and keep the heel of your foot on the floor.

Contact a Lake County Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident this winter season, contact Salvi & Maher, LLP. Our Wheaton car accident attorneys will strive to obtain the compensation you deserve. Call our firm at 847-662-3303 today.

Sources:

http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/winter-driving-tips/#.Whne_oanHIV

https://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2017/02/06/winter-fatal-car-accidents/97551588/

https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips