During the winter months, even the best drivers are at risk of a car accident because of hazardous conditions associated with bad weather. While you can’t completely avoid all car accident injuries, you can greatly reduce your chances of being involved in a serious accident by following winter road safety guidelines. The Todd R. Durham Law Firm is happy to help you get the compensation you are entitled to if you are injured in an accident, but would much rather you not be injured in the first place. Here are some winter weather driving tips to help you stay safe on the road.
Keep Driving to a Minimum
During bad weather, the best way to keep yourself safe is to avoid driving unless it is absolutely necessary. In many cases, businesses and schools close during winter storms, so you shouldn’t have to go to work or take your kids to school.
Stock up on food supplies before a storm is predicted to hit so that you won’t have to go out of your house until the storm passes. Don’t assume that because it isn’t snowing or raining after a storm ends that the roads are safe again, though. Drive more slowly than normal, especially on icy or wet roads. However, nervous drivers often cause accidents during bad weather by driving extremely slowly or by slamming on their brakes unnecessarily, causing their vehicles to skid.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid driving if you aren’t confident of your safety. Many people take personal days off if the weather is bad and work is open so that they won’t risk an accident; if your boss lets you do this, take advantage of it.
Winterize Your Car
It’s a good idea to get a tune-up in the late fall or early winter so that your vehicle is as safe as possible during the winter. Make sure that your lights, tires, and brakes all work properly in order to avoid accidents. You should also check your coolant levels and your engine performance to ensure you can start your car easily during cold weather. Your mechanic can tell you about any special procedures for starting your car during bad weather, such as letting it warm up before driving.
If you some precautions, you will hopefully be safe this winter. If the worst happens and you get into a car accident despite your safe driving habits, you may want to talk to a Lewisville accident attorney about getting compensation for your injuries. Contact the Law Offices of Todd R. Durham at 214-222-4000 to schedule a consultation.
