5 WINTER DRIVING TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW

This winter, even the most diehard cold-weather enthusiasts are ready for Mother Nature to turn off the snow machine. Although warmer weather is (supposedly) just around the corner, it’s important to stay safe on the road in these last few weeks of snowy and icy driving conditions.

Here are five tips from The Weather Channel to help you make it to the winter weather finish line:

1. Prepare Your Car for Winter Weather

It sounds obvious, but the best thing you can do for winter travel is to make sure your car is prepared for the trip – even if it’s just a short run to the grocery. Near the end of winter, some motorists put off regular maintenance. Make car repairs and checks a priority so you’re not caught off guard.

At a minimum, make sure your car’s fluids are topped off and the battery is tested. Your car’s tires are also important. Swap out summer tires for all-season or winter tires. Check the threading of your tires, and replace them is needed. It can also be helpful to keep an emergency repair kit in your vehicle, in case you hit a patch of sharp ice. Keep an emergency kit stocked with water, a flashlight, warm clothes, a blanket, and some nonperishable food like granola bars or crackers. Keep an extra phone battery in your vehicle, in case you need to call for help and don’t have power.

2. Slow It Down

Excessive speed is a leading cause of accidents no matter what the season, but it’s especially dangerous in the winter months. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination so you’re not tempted to drive too fast. It’s also important to realize that not even SUVs or heavy trucks are capable of handling high speeds safely in dangerous weather. Don’t assume that your four-wheel drive will keep your tires on the road if you’re driving too fast in the snow. Always follow the local speed limit signs, and go slower when the roads are icy.

3. No Tailgating

Even a light snow coating on pavement can result in longer stopping times. Give yourself plenty of space between your car and the vehicle in front of you. Serious injuries can occur in all types of collisions, including those involving low impacts.

4. No Cruise Control

When you use cruise control in wet or icy road conditions, it can make your vehicle accelerate if it hydroplanes. As the wheels try to maintain a constant speed, the vehicle may speed up. This makes it much more difficult for a driver to gain control. It may be a good idea to turn off your cruise control when the roads are wet and slippery and leave it off until you are sure you have better traction on the road.

5. Pull Over

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. In white-out conditions or other inclement weather, don’t hesitate to take a break if you need it. Find a safe spot, such as a gas station or parking lot, and wait for the weather to clear. If you haven’t left your house yet, it may be a better idea to stay home, rather than brave difficult road conditions.

Winter weather in the Boston area can bring snowfall and icy weather. One minute, it may be clear, and the next, the roads are covered in snow. Even if you are familiar with winter driving, it is always a good idea to exercise additional caution. Not only do the number of car accidents go up in the winter months, but accidents are more likely to be severe.

Boston and Brockton Personal Injury Lawyers

If you are injured in a winter car accident, you may have legal options available. Depending on the details of your accident, and who was at fault, you may be able to pursue compensation for your costs.

The personal injury lawyers at Joel H. Schwartz, P.C. offer experienced, compassionate legal counsel to individuals and families throughout Massachusetts. Call us today at (617) 742-1170 to speak to a personal injury attorney about your case.

This website has been prepared by Joel H. Schwartz, P.C. for informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.