Seven Cold Weather Driving Tips
Be mindful of how you operate your car this winter, and you will significantly reduce your risk of injury.
Every year, snowy and icy weather causes hundreds of thousands of injuries in vehicle collisions. Following a few tips will not eliminate the risk of an accident altogether, but it may significantly reduce the likelihood of a serious crash.
Of course, you can only control your own driving behavior. If you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, have a Freehold, NJ personal injury lawyer evaluate your claim. Even if first responders gave you a ticket, you may be entitled to substantial compensation.
Stay Home
Do not go out unless it is absolutely necessary. As mentioned, you might be the best winter weather driver in the history of winter weather drivers. As my grandfather said, you must always look out for “th’ other fella.” Car crashes are not the only risk you are avoiding. Many people slip and fall on icy streets and sidewalks.
Take Care of Your Tires
Traction is important in all weather, and it is especially important during winter. Marginally worn or underinflated tires reduce the amount of control that drivers have over their vehicles. In the ice and snow, there is little margin for error.
Do Not Warm Up a Vehicle in an Enclosed Area
It is amazing how many people think they can get away with this. One of the first effects of carbon monoxide poisoning is sleepiness and a sense of well-being. So, many people do not realize what they are doing to their bodies. It only takes a couple of seconds to open the garage door.
Adjust Speed for the Conditions
The posted speed limits are presumptively reasonable speeds under ideal traffic, environmental, and other conditions. Snow and ice are far from ideal conditions. A good rule of thumb is to travel at least 10mph slower than the posted limit. Since not everyone follows this safety rule, as vehicles approach your rear, tap your brakes to help make sure the driver sees you.
Keep Emergency Supplies in the Car
This safety tip is no longer as high on the list as it was before, but it is still a very good idea to keep water, blankets, emergency flares, and a little food in your vehicle. You never know what will happen. And, as the old saying goes, it is much better to have these things and not need them than to need them and not have them.
Go Easy on the Accelerator and Brake
Generally, if the road is icy, most vehicles have very little traction. A sudden burst of speed might cause the wheels to spin. That usually leads to a loss of control or an inability to move. By the same token, if you apply the brakes quickly, the tires usually have no surface to grasp. Stopping a car on an icy road is a lot like stopping a boat on a lake. For safety’s sake, both vehicles usually drift to a halt.
Increase Following Distance
If the roads are dry, the two-second rule is usually a good idea. If the roads are icy, that following distance should probably be at least five seconds. So, if you need to stop, you have enough room to do so.
Connect with a Savvy Attorney
Winter wonderlands may be fun to walk in, but they are dangerous to drive in. For a confidential consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Freehold, contact Lomurro, Munson, Comer, Brown & Schottland, LLC. Home and hospital visits are available.
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