Every scout knows to be prepared. Anyone driving in wintry conditions should always make preparations to get to their destinations safely. In my 28 years as a personal injury and car accident lawyer, I have handled cases involving car accidents that have occurred in all kinds of weather. Knowing how to operate your vehicle on slippery roads or in extreme cold can mean the difference between life and death. In this blog, I’ll provide 7 tips for driving in winter.
7 Tips for Driving in Winter
- There’s No Place Like Home. Dorothy had in right when she exclaimed “There’s no place like home” in “The Wizard of Oz”. Staying home and off the roads is the best way to prevent being injured in a car accident during winter. Curl up with a good book by the fire, watch “The Wizard of Oz” with a bowl of buttery popcorn and stay safe.
- Slow and Steady Wins the Race. When driving in wintry conditions, the winners are the drivers that make it home safely. Drive slowly and adjust your speed to road conditions.
- Cleanliness is Next to Godliness. Always clean your car and keep it free from ice debris and piling snow. All windows, headlights and taillights should be cleared to allow for maximum visibility.
- Kill Cruise. This is not just a popular 90s movie, its also great advice. According to AAA, drivers should avoid cruise control when driving on low traction surfaces such as ice and snow. AAA further warns that the use of cruise control could result in a skid or spin. . Be sure to kill cruise so it doesn’t kill you.
- Young at Heart. Let’s keep our teens alive and off of the roads in winter weather. Be sure to educate your teen on safe driving techniques before winter weather happens. KBB recommends for teen drivers to practice driving behaviors like steering, slowing and speeding up on a snow covered parking lot before a driver finds themselves on snow packed streets.
- Ice, Ice Baby. THERE IS NO SAFE WAY TO DRIVE ON ICE. 4WD and AWD will be of little use on ice covered pavement. If our area is struck with a treacherous ice storm, stay home.
- Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst. Stocking your car with winter supplies may save your life. Be sure to have a fully charged cell phone, a full tank of gas, a first aid kit that includes an emergency blanket, sand for traction, flares and enough drinkable water for everyone in the car.
Let Us Help You With Your Car Accident Claim
If you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you might not know what to do to get a fair settlement that will cover your medical expenses (present and future), your lost wages and your pain and suffering. If you have bills and letters from the insurance company piling up and you need help making sense of it all, call a Roanoke car accident lawyer today for a FREE consultation.
