Black ice, snow, freezing rain, and frigid temperatures all pose a risk to your safety on the road.
The Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration estimates that over 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy or icy pavement annually. In addition, nearly 900 people are killed and nearly 76,000 people are injured in vehicle crashes during snowfall or sleet.
To ensure you stay safe during these winter months, it is important to follow a few simple guidelines.
According to AAA, when driving in cold weather, make sure to:
• Have a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car, such as warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, and medications.
• Ensure your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
• Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow.
If you must be out during snowfall, follow these driving tips:
• Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids.
• It takes longer to stop when driving on icy roads. Make sure to increase your following distance to five to six seconds.
• Don’t stop going up a hill, and ensure you have enough inertia from a flat roadway before you drive up a hill with icy roads.
• Check the weather along your route, so you can be prepared if you must make a detour to avoid potentially dangerous conditions.
• Before going out, notify others and let them know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
If possible, do not drive in dangerous winter conditions. However, if you must be on the road, following these tips may help keep you and others safe.
If you have been injured in a car accident, the experienced attorneys at Kimmel, Carter, Roman, Peltz & O’Neill are here to help. For a free consultation, call 302-565-6100.
