Driving during the winter can be a perilous affair. Slippery roads and low visibility due to precipitation can make your commute much more dangerous than usual. Nevertheless, most drivers will need to drive during harsh winter conditions at least occasionally. While the best advice is always to not drive if you do not feel safe to do so, the following tips can help you remain safe during even the worst snowstorms.
- Install winter tires. Winter tires offer far more grip than regular all-season or summer tires. The increased grip from winter tires will give your vehicle increased predictability and safety when braking and turning in wet or slippery conditions.
- Clean your windshield. Before leaving the house, make sure that your windshield is as clean so that your visibility is not interfered with while driving. If ice has formed on your windshield, you will want to remove it prior to driving. Common methods of ice removal include scraping the ice off with an ice-scraper tool, spraying the ice with a de-icer solution, or turning on the heat in your car and letting the ice naturally melt. The most important step here is to be patient!
- Slow down. Driving at high speeds during a snowstorm is a recipe for disaster. Slowing down allows you extra time to react to the unexpected, which is especially important during low visibility driving.
- Reduce distractions. Refrain from texting or calling while driving in a snowstorm. Keep pets and children restrained, and don’t engage in conversations that pull your attention away from driving. Stay focused on the road.
- Give yourself time. If it is snowing, you can probably assume that your drive is going to take longer than usual. Add at least 15 minutes to your drive to allow for additional traffic, unexpected occurrences, and slower driving due to weather conditions.
- Safe braking. It takes longer to stop on a slippery road than a dry road, so make sure you leave more distance than usual between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you when braking.
We hope these tips are helpful reminders for how to stay safe while driving in inclement weather. Unfortunately, even the best drivers get into motor vehicle accidents. If you or someone you know has gotten into a motor vehicle accident, you may be eligible for benefits and compensation. Contact our team at Jewell Radimisis Jorge LL.P for a free consultation.