Knowing how to drive safely in winter weather can help you avoid accidents and injuries.
As the seasons change, new and seasoned drivers alike can be unprepared for the variety of winter weather conditions that come with the season. After months of summer, the snow and fog of winter may lead to unsafe driving. If you are prepared for the potentially dangerous weather conditions before they happen, you can take steps to avoid car accidents and the ensuing insurance claims and repairs they demand. Read on for the essential tips for driving safely in winter weather.
Check The Forecast Before Driving
Take advantage of technology and install a weather app onto your smartphone. Checking the day’s forecast before you start your journey can help you decide which routes to take and what hazards to avoid.
Know When to Reduce Your Risk
When travel is not necessary, drivers should consider staying in during adverse weather conditions. It is better for you and your car in the long run if you can recognize when the weather is too severe for you to drive safely in winter and decide to stay in, rather than travel and risk personal injury or an auto collision.
How to Drive Safely in Winter Snow
Newly fallen snow can create especially slippery conditions. Drivers should assume, however, that any snowfall is going to make travel difficult. A good rule of thumb for driving through snow is to follow the tire tracks made by the vehicles ahead of you. The snow will already be packed down, which improves traction. Driving in snow often requires slowing down to at least half-speed, and sometimes slower depending on the conditions of the road, the type of road, and the rate of snowfall.
How to Drive Safely Through Fog
While driving through fog, drivers should avoid using their high beams and should always reduce their speed as their visibility is reduced. If the fog becomes dangerously thick, drivers should consider finding a secure location where they can pull over, put their blinkers on, and wait for the fog to lift.
Prepare Your Vehicle For Winter Weather
Before traveling this winter, make sure your car has been properly serviced. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests the following to ensure safety:
- Check for leaks, broken parts, and worn hoses
- Clean snow and ice from the windows and sensors
- Ensure your lights are working
- Fill your gas tank
- Install winter tires, or replace tires with insufficient tread
- Make sure your vehicle is not under recall
- Take care not to drain your car’s battery
- Test the cooling system
Let Simons & Goldner, P.A. Represent You
Simons & Goldner, P.A., located in Lutherville, MD, consists of two partners, Stevan G. Simons and Richard H. Goldner practicing primarily in personal injury, medical malpractice, Worker’s Compensation, and criminal law. The partners come with decades of experience assisting clients injured by the negligence of others or injured on the job. We serve clients in the Baltimore, Towson, Essex and Dundalk area and work closely with our clients to ensure that your case moves quickly and efficiently and that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled.
Initial consultations are available by phone or in-person and are free of charge. Contact us now to schedule a consultation, or call us today at 410-296-3110. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn for advice and updates.
