Each year, January brings with it snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. While this makes for beautiful winter landscapes, it makes driving more difficult and dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 23 percent of road accidents involve weather, 17 percent of which takes place while its snowing, 12 percent when the road is icy, and 17 percent when the road is slushy.
This winter, as January gets into full swing, follow these tips to help avoid being part of the winter weather accident statistics.
If an accident occurs, contact one of our reputable South Bend car accident attorneys for a free legal consultation.
Before you get on the road
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Proper tire inflation not only helps with your fuel efficiency, it will also help you with your traction in slippery conditions and keep your vehicle traveling straight and reducing your chances of spinning.
- Keep your vehicle maintained. By keeping your oil changed, your tires rotated (and replace them when they’re worn), your windshield wipers working, your lights changed, and the battery in good working order, you make it easier for you to drive your car, and for others to see you, especially when the weather is bad or the light is low. Getting your car ready to drive in winter weather is one of the most important things you can do to prevent an accident.
While you are on the road
- Slow down. When roads are snowy, icy, and slippery, taking it slow will help you stay on the road and give you enough space to slow down or stop. This is one of AAA’s tips for safe driving in the winter.
- Don’t slam on your brakes. Today, most cars come equipped with Anti-Lock Brakes, which work to keep your tires from locking up. You just need to make sure you keep constant pressure on the pedal. If your vehicle does not have Anti-Lock Brakes, you can pump your brakes to keep them from locking up, just remember not to press them hard or too quickly.
- Pay attention to the other vehicles on the road. You can only control how you drive while you’re on the road, but by knowing where the other vehicles are, and watching out for what the other drivers are doing, you may be able to avoid an accident.
- Add weight to your vehicle. If you’re vehicle is rear-wheel drive and lightweight over the rear wheels (like a pickup truck), adding weight to the back of your vehicle can help increase traction when there is snow or ice.
By using the tips above, you can reduce your risk of being part of a weather-related accident. If you do find yourself the victim of a winter automobile accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
If you believe someone else was at fault, you should contact a South Bend personal injury lawyer at Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
