Essential Winter Driving Safety Tips
Winter weather, including snow, sleet, or ice, significantly increases the risk of road accidents. In 2021, there were 395 fatal crashes and approximately 22,325 injury crashes under snow/sleet conditions. Preparing yourself and your vehicle for winter conditions is crucial for safe driving.
Driving in Winter Weather
The Basics
- Reduce Speed: Control and stopping distances are compromised on slick surfaces. In 2021, around 121,156 police-reported crashes occurred in snowy conditions. Increase your following distance to allow plenty of time to stop.
- Snow Plow Safety: Do not crowd or travel beside snow plows. These vehicles make frequent stops wide turns, and may overlap lanes. Maintain a safe distance if you find yourself behind a snow plow.
What to Do in an Emergency?
- Stay with Your Car: Do not overexert yourself. Use bright markers on your car and keep the dome light on for visibility.
- Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Keep the exhaust pipe clear and run the car sporadically to stay warm, avoiding prolonged periods with closed windows or enclosed spaces.
Vehicle Maintenance and Safety
Tires
- Tire Pressure: Check and maintain tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendation in the owner’s manual or the driver’s side door frame.
- Tire Inspection: Regularly examine for damage, adequate tread depth (at least 2/32 of an inch), and age (replace every six years as some manufacturers recommend).
Car Seats
- Proper Harness Fit: Avoid heavy coats on children in car seats as they can interfere with harness fit. Opt for thin, warm layers and use blankets for additional warmth.
Batteries
- Battery Performance in Cold: Have a mechanic check your battery as cold weather reduces its power, particularly in gasoline, diesel, and hybrid-electric vehicles.
Safety Technologies
- Understanding Vehicle Technologies: Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s safety technologies, like antilock brake systems, and learn to use them correctly in winter conditions.
Floor Mats
- Appropriate Floor Mats: Consider using rubber mats and ensure they are properly installed to avoid interference with pedals.
Preparing Your Vehicle
- Lighting and Visibility: Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and windshield wipers. Use high-quality winter wiper fluid and replace any worn blades.
Cooling System
- Coolant Level and System Check: Ensure appropriate coolant levels and system integrity to avoid engine freeze.
Emergency Preparedness
Stock Your Vehicle
Carry essentials like a snow shovel, broom, ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets, and emergency markers.
Gas and Battery
Maintain your gas tank full and battery charged, especially in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Plan Your Route
Check weather and traffic reports, familiarize yourself with the route, and let others know your itinerary. Adjust travel plans according to weather conditions.
Year-Round Safety
Check for Recalls
Use NHTSA’s Recalls Look-up Tool to stay informed about any critical safety issues with your vehicle.
Avoid Risky Driving Behaviors
Adhere to safe driving practices like avoiding distractions, obeying speed limits, driving sober, and wearing seat belts.
Reducing the Risk of Car Accidents
The Law Offices of Henry M. Hanflik emphasize that safe winter driving is not just a skill but a necessity. Adhering to these comprehensive guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of accidents in challenging winter conditions. Remember, preparation is key—both in terms of vehicle readiness and driver awareness. Stay informed about weather conditions, maintain your vehicle, and practice safe driving behaviors. This proactive approach ensures your safety and contributes to the safety of others on the road.
Remember, winter driving demands respect for the weather and a commitment to road safety. Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and stay safe.
Work with professional personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Henry M. Hanflik. Our expertise in navigating intricate lawsuit intricacies ensures you maximize potential compensation. For a no-obligation consultation, get in touch today.
Disclaimer: “The content shared here is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. The blog posts are not written to substitute for professional legal counsel; by accessing this information, no attorney-client relationship is formed or implied”.