Winter Weather Driving Safety

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Driving Safety

All across the nation, drivers must brace themselves for snow and icy weather conditions when the winter season rolls around. Similar to driving in rain, fog, or other conditions that limit visibility and create hazardous situations, driving in winter weather can significantly increase your chances of experiencing a car accident. Thankfully, there are a number of actions you can take to prevent a collision when snow season strikes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests every driver take the following precautions before venturing out onto the highways when winter weather conditions are present:

1. Schedule your car for maintenance. 

Accident prevention begins with the start of the winter season. Before snow begins to fall and icy weather begins to pick up, schedule your car for complete service and have a proper tune-up. Ensure your windshield wipers, tires, and brakes are in good working order, and have anything else repaired that needs attention. Breaking down is never fun, but it is especially dangerous when driving on ice or in snow.

2. Stock up. 

Another good way to increase your safety when driving in winter weather is to stock up on the necessary emergency supplies ahead of time. Be sure to store a snow shovel, ice scraper, and a broom in your trunk, as well as an abrasive material of some sort (such as cat litter) to aid you in case your car gets stuck in the snow. Blankets, jumper cables, flashlights, and flares are all also helpful to have on standby.

3. Slow and steady does it.

It might sound like common sense, but maintaining a slow speed when driving in winter conditions is crucial when it comes to safety. Many drivers take the risk of speeding to get home faster under such conditions, but slowing down will give you better leverage to stop or slow down on slick or snow-covered roadways if you need to come to a sudden halt.

4. Get to know your brakes. 

Do you know if your vehicle has an anti-lock brake system? If you are unsure, get acquainted as soon as possible with your car’s brake system and make sure you understand how it works. If you do have an anti-lock brake system, you will need to apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal, as the purpose of the system is to prevent your wheels from locking up when you brake.

5. Navigate carefully around snow plows. 

As a rule of thumb, the road behind a snow plow is typically safer to drive on than the area directly next to or in front of it. Never crowd a snow plow or drive directly beside it, but keep a safe distance and carefully pass around it when you encounter one on the highway.

Should you find yourself involved in a collision this winter season, be sure to speak with a knowledgeable Lake County car accident attorney right away to ensure your rights are protected. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP at 847-662-3303 today for a personal consultation.

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