Winter is filled with holiday activities, charming sights, smells, and sounds. Unfortunately, for some, those sights may be twisted metal, the smell of leaking gas, and the sound of sirens.
Winter driving may become dangerous because road conditions can change quickly due to snow and ice. If you do not take proper precautions while behind the wheel, your safety, and that of others, is in jeopardy.
Use the tips and tricks provided in this blog to help ensure you safely experience the joys of winter.
Pay Attention to Winter Road Conditions
Driving demands your full attention, even under ideal conditions. But in the winter, inclement weather such as rain, snow, sleet, and ice can make driving increasingly difficult.
- Rain causes poor visibility and slick roads, especially if oil is on the roadway. Hydroplaning can occur with hard braking and speeding.
- Snow can cause loss of tire traction, reduced visibility, and treacherous conditions by covering the road edges and lines.
- Sleet and ice are incredibly slippery. Likewise, black ice, a thin coat of highly transparent ice that blends in with the road, is a common road hazard that occurs when rain freezes or as snow melts.
Driving Tips for Ice, Sleet, or Snow
- Leave your lead foot at home. Gently accelerate and brake. Slow acceleration and braking are less likely to cause spin-outs.
- Maintain a greater distance than usual with the vehicle ahead. Stay at least eight car lengths behind.
- Make slow and gradual turns. Turning too quickly can cause you to lose tire traction.
- Do not even think about using cruise control. Each second counts when responding to icy road conditions. Always maintain full control of your vehicle.
- Leave early to account for delays, weather, and slower traffic.
- Adhere to your typical safety rules, including wearing your seatbelt, obeying all posted speed limits, avoiding distractions, and not driving while intoxicated.
Be Prepared When the Temperature Drops
Winter traveling can be unpredictable. However, there are things you can do to prep your vehicle and yourself before you hit the road.
Winterize Your Vehicle
Before the cold weather arrives, take the time to winterize your vehicle. Extreme temperatures are hard on a vehicle. Get it inspected by a certified mechanic or authorized dealership.
They should inspect the following:
- Fluids and car systems
- Radiator fluid levels, belts, hoses
- Brake fluid levels and braking components
- Wiper fluid levels and blades
- Battery and battery charging components
- Tires
- Lights
Put Together an Emergency Survival Kit
Unfortunately, no matter how cautious you are, accidents can and will happen, especially when driving in winter weather. It’s better to prepare for the worst and pack an emergency kit than to get stuck in freezing temperatures without the things you need.
What emergency survival kit essentials should you pack for winter road conditions?
- Jumper cables
- Ice scraper or shovel
- First aid kit
- Tow rope or chain
- Extra blankets and clothing
- Flashlights
- Sand or kitty litter (these help provide traction for tires!)
- Non-perishable food
Plan Your Winter Road Trips in Advance
Whether its a few days or a few hours before you leave, these small moments of extra planning may make the difference between arriving safely to your holiday party or having your holiday plans derailed by a car crash.
- Plan your route and make an effort to avoid bridges and overpasses.
- Make sure you have your cell phone, charger, and water.
- Check gas levels and that your tires are properly inflated.
- Check weather and traffic reports before traveling to minimize the risk of getting stranded or caught in a storm or heavy traffic.
- When making long trips, let others know your estimated arrival time and route.
- Keep your emergency survival kit in your vehicle.
What to Do in an Emergency
If you are stranded or have an emergency, keep your wits and stay in the vehicle.
- If you must leave the car to attempt maintenance, work slowly in the snow and cold to avoid overexertion and risk of a heart attack or other injury.
- Make sure other drivers can see your car. Hazard lights, flares, reflectors, and the interior light help to keep the vehicle visible.
- Stimulate circulation by moving your arms and legs.
- Run the motor occasionally, just long enough to stay warm. Periodically, check that snow, mud, or ice doesn’t build up and block the vehicle’s exhaust pipe. A blockage can cause carbon monoxide to build up inside the vehicle leading to poisoning or death.
- Don’t run the vehicle for prolonged periods with the windows up or in an enclosed space.
Safety is priority number one when hitting the road during winter. If you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of another driver, please contact the experienced attorneys at Timberlake & League. We can help.
