It may be getting colder, but that doesn’t always mean that everything is more fun. Driving can be scary in the winter, even for the most seasoned drivers. There are unpredictable weather conditions that hit you out of nowhere making it difficult to drive on the road and alongside other drivers as well. With the specific road conditions that winter brings, it is no wonder that so many accidents happen during that season. Conditions such as slippery or icy roads and winter storms create dangerous driving situations and it can be more likely that you get into a wreck. It is important to know how to drive in the winter and to be prepared when venturing out into cold, snowy conditions.
Drive Slowly in the Snow
When there is snow or ice on the ground, it creates much less traction for your car to grip while driving. Driving slowly will help you to get as much traction as you can on the slippery road and help you to keep more control of your vehicle to avoid any swerving or accidents. If you happen to find yourself in a situation where you have been injured due to an accident in the Monroe, Georgia area – don’t hesitate to look into Monroe, GA personal injury lawyer. Along with making sure that you are driving slowly, also have a longer following distance between vehicles of five to six seconds. More space between vehicles will allow for time to stop if cars are breaking and allow more time for vehicles to get more traction on slick roads. You will also need a fair amount of traction going uphills, so be sure not to stop on hills, as you may not be able to get the traction you need to make it to the top.
Be Prepared for Cold Conditions
Maintenance, repairs, and full body checks for your vehicle are always a good idea in all seasons, not just winter. But getting your vehicle fully serviced before those winter months will prove to be extremely beneficial, as driving in the winter with a faulty vehicle could mean the difference between life and death. Taking your vehicle in for a tune-up and check can help ensure that everything is in proper working order and that nothing needs to be repaired. Break checks are so important because you do not want your brakes going out when you are trying to stop on an icy road. When preparing for trips in the winter, look ahead at the weather to determine the best time to travel. Has your vehicle stocked with winter essentials in case of breakdowns, car malfunctions, winter storms, or bad accidents? Some essentials would include:
- Extra blankets, coats, hats, gloves, and pants
- Water and food in case of emergency
- Small shovel to help dig your car out
- Flashlights
- First-aid kits
Stuck in the Snow? Stay There!
On the chance that your vehicle is stuck in the snow, stay there! Your car will offer you shelter and will make you easily identifiable by people coming to rescue you. You could easily lose track of your car and get lost if you try to walk in a snowstorm. Call emergency and other car services to assist you. Keep your dome light on at night so emergency service vehicles can help you find better. You can also hang anything brightly colored from your window or antenna to alert other drivers or service vehicles as they pass by. Attempt to dig your car out but don’t overdo it and injure yourself in the process. Conserve fuel as much as you can and bundle up with extra coats and jackets. If you don’t have any of those items you can use the floor mats to help keep warm until help arrives.
When Possible – Stay Home
One of the best ways to stay safe in the wintertime is to not drive and stay home! Obviously, you can’t do that all the time so hopefully, these tips will help you to feel a bit more confident and help you to be prepared for the upcoming winter driving season. If you find yourself needing to drive in the winter, do it as safely as possible to help avoid any accidents or injury. Personal injury lawyers can be there to help you if there was a circumstance that you were injured in a car accident. It is important to be aware and alert when you’re driving, especially under conditions that can make driving very challenging. Be sure to drive slowly through the snow, prepare emergency essentials ahead of time and know what to do if you get stuck in the snow.