Winter Roads Can Be a Slippery Slope: Read these Tips to Avoid a Winter Car Accident

Winter is a time many people look forward to every year. It can be beautiful outside and cozy inside, with warm nights spent by the fire with good food and better company. However, getting to those warm nights can be a slippery slope. Snow, ice, and sleet can make for a disastrous day when it comes to driving.

Seventy percent of the roads and the population in the United States are in snowy regions and 17% of all crashes occur during winter weather. Research done by AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that almost half a million crashes and 2,000 road deaths are caused every year by poor road conditions or bad weather conditions in the United States. With scary statistics like that, it is important to take as many precautions as possible to keep yourself safe during these bad weather months. So, we’ve compiled a list of do’s and don’ts to help you avoid a serious winter car accident.

Do:

• Make sure your car is up to date on all maintenance and doesn’t need any repairs before hitting the road.
• Be sure to check your tires, making sure they are properly inflated and have enough tread.
• Drive at or below the posted speed limit to accommodate poor road conditions.
• Increase the distance between you and the car in front of you. It can be harder to stop in winter road conditions.
• Keep cold-weather gear in your car. In the event of a breakdown, things like a flashlight, a blanket, water, and food can save your life.
• Make sure you have at least half a tank of gas in your car at all times.
• Make sure your wiper blades are in good working condition and that you have enough wiper fluid to keep your windshield free of obstruction.
• Check the weather along your route ahead of time and delay your trip if necessary.

Don’t:

• Drive unnecessarily. If you don’t need to put yourself in an unsafe driving situation, don’t.
• Use cruise control when roads are icy, wet, or snowy.
• Slam on the gas or brakes. Fast acceleration or braking is a sure way to lose control of your car when there is ice or snow on the road.
• Stop unless if you have to, especially when going uphill. Snow can make getting your car moving again especially difficult. It’s best to avoid stopping when possible.

Using these tips will go a long way to keeping you safe on the road this winter, but even so, accidents will happen. If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto accident involving winter road conditions, and you believe the crash was the fault of a negligent driver, you need to call us. Our experienced car accident attorneys can help you determine if you have a personal injury claim. Contact us at 630-527-1595 or fill out our contact form for a FREE EVALUATION of your case. Time is of the essence. The sooner you call The Collins Law Firm, the sooner we can get you the justice you deserve.