With winter just beyond the horizon, driving is going to become more dangerous. Slippery roads, patches of ice and a snowstorm can increase the risk of an accident happen by a significant amount. Following these tips will help you and your loved ones stay safe on the road all season.
Stay Attentive
It goes without saying that you should always keep your focus sharp when on the road, especially when winter hits. Do not take your eyes off the road, check your mirrors and remember to drive slowly.
Although driving slowly might turn a 10-minute drive into a 30-minute one, the extra time it takes is worth it if it means staying safe. Accidents are even more common during the winter season, so you need to keep your eyes open. The unpredictability of winter driving conditions can make car accident law even more difficult to sort through, so if you are in an accident, consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Have an Emergency Kit Ready
If you’re one of those people who’s going away for the holidays, then you’re most likely in for a long drive. If that’s the case, you’re going to need to pack an emergency kit in case of accident, breakdown, or other trouble. For those who are new to driving in the winter for the first time, here is a brief list of a few essentials you’ll need in the case of an emergency:
- A flashlight
- A first-aid kit
- A shovel
- A couple of blankets
- Some extra water
- Non-perishable foods
- Jumper cables
- An ice scraper
The cold weather is notorious for causing cars to randomly break down, so having an emergency kit at the ready will save you from a lot of trouble.
Switch to Snow Tires
Even the safest drivers are at risk from the ice-paved roads. Luckily, there are ways to reduce the risk of sliding on the road. One such way includes changing your regular tires for ones that were made to withstand the harshness of winter. These specialized tires thrive in cold temperatures and are able to traverse ice with relative ease. However, even with snow tires, you should always drive carefully.
Get Rid of Any Lingering Ice or Snow
Before embarking on your journey through the cold weather, make sure to remove all the ice and snow from your car. Although leaving snow on the roof doesn’t seem like much, it’s actually quite dangerous. This is because the snow may melt or fall off when you stop at a light, which can impair your vision by covering the windshield. It can also slide backward off your car and become a hazard for those driving behind you.
In addition, don’t forget to clean your headlights and taillights so you can see in the dark and signify that you’re turning.
Winter provides a new set of challenges for drivers, and they can be very dangerous, especially for those unfamiliar with driving in winter. That doesn’t mean that you can’t drive in the winter. With these tips in mind, you can drive in the winter with confidence.
