Ten Tips for Safe Winter Driving
Winter has arrived in Roanoke and the weather that comes with it can increase the risk of both car accidents and personal injury if car owners do not exercise caution. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 17% of all car accidents happen during winter conditions. Follow and share our top ten tips for winter driving to avoid injury to yourself or loved ones this season.
- Slow and steady wins the race. Allow yourself extra time when driving to and from your destination-everything takes longer when there is snow on the roads. The best way to avoid skidding and regain traction is by accelerating and decelerating slowly. Keep this in mind at stop signs and stoplights, too.
- Be prepared. Before getting on the road, make sure that your car has at least half a tank of gas to prevent a gas line freeze. Make sure that your car’s tires are inflated correctly.
- Allow extra space. If you are driving behind someone in the snow, AAA recommends increasing your following distance from 3-4 seconds to 8-10 seconds to avoid car accidents. This will give you a longer stopping distance.
- Keep the outside of your car clear. Make sure to brush any snow or ice off your car before driving. Pay special attention to windows, sensors, headlights and tail lights, and backup cameras if you have one.
- Check your exhaust pipe. AAA warns that a clogged exhaust pipe can cause carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment if the engine is running and may result in wrongful death.
- Beware of hills. Few things are more difficult that trying to move up a hill on an icy road. Try to get some inertia going on a flat road before you arrive at the hill and let it carry you to the top. Avoid powering up hills-applying extra gas will only make your wheels spin. As you reach the top of the hill, reduce your speed and go down the hill as slow as you can but keep brake use at a minimum on slippery or icy hills.
- Consider staying home. If it isn’t necessary for you to drive in the snow, don’t. Most errands aren’t worth the risk of a car accident or injury.
- Be aware. Even if you can drive well in the snow, others cannot; wintery roads are dangerous to everyone. Never drive if you are tired as it will put both you AND others at risk of a car accident or injury.
- Prepare a winter driving kit to keep in your car. Important items include: a bag of abrasive material (i.e.-cat litter), ice scraper and snow brush, flashlight, blanket and gloves, warning flares or triangles, and booster cables. Make sure your cell phone is properly charged before driving in wintery conditions.
- Know your brakes. For non-antilock brakes, the most effective type of braking is “threshold braking.” AAA instructs drivers to keep the heel of their foot on the floor and apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal with the ball of their foot. For antilock brakes, AAA warns not to remove your foot from the brake. When you put the brakes on hard enough to make the wheels momentarily lock, the pedal will usually vibrate and pulse against your foot-this is normal so do not pump the pedal or remove your foot from the brake.
If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident, find a Roanoke Lawyer that will work closely with you to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your personal injury. Call The Thomson Law Firm today to talk with an intake specialist for a FREE case evaluation. Call today (540) 777-4900.
For more winter driving safety information, refer to:
