Traveling in dangerous winter weather is sometimes an unavoidable part of the season. Ice-covered roads and other hazardous conditions frequently lead to serious accidents and injuries. The Pearce Law Firm’s personal injury attorneys help drivers who experience winter auto accidents get the legal support they need to get through the situation. Though some accidents are unavoidable, it’s always a good idea to practice safe driving habits that can help you avoid problems on the road whenever possible. There are a few helpful driving tips you can follow when on the road that can make you a safer driver during bad weather.
First, skip travel during especially bad weather whenever you can. If there’s a storm in progress, try to avoid driving if it’s not completely necessary. Hopefully the storm will pass, and you can catch up on errands or other activities within a day or two.
Timing is important during cold weather, too. Don’t go out too early before the snow plows and salt or sanding trucks have done their job. The work these vehicles do can make a great impact on road safety, so it’s definitely worth the wait to ensure you’ll be able to drive safely with minimum slipping or sliding.
You need to plan on extra travel time during bad weather as well. If you’re used to leaving your house at 7:15 a.m. on a weekday morning during warmer weather, it’s very possible you’ll need to leave half an hour earlier during the winter. Many accidents that warrant the services of a car accident injury lawyer are the result of being rushed in bad weather driving conditions.
Make sure to leave a large amount of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Experts recommend that you triple this distance when there are tough road conditions. You should also change your braking habits slightly this time of year, braking gently and using a pulsating motion in order to avoid skidding. However, if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, your car or SUV will do this for you.
During wintery conditions, it’s a good idea to be proactive and modify your driving behavior so you can minimize the chance of an accident. Those who are involved in a collision can always depend on a personal injury lawyer to help them make the best of the situation afterwards.
