According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020, there were 374 fatal crashes and an estimated 25,000 injury crashes that occurred in wintry conditions. Whether it’s snowing, raining, or ice on the roads, driving in the wintertime can be more challenging than in other months of the year. This can leave drivers worried or stressed while behind the wheel, increasing auto accidents. Although wintertime driving can be difficult, with the proper knowledge and safety practices driving in incline weather conditions can be more manageable than you may think. Our team here at Dodosh Law Offices, has curated a list of winter driving safety tips all Ohio drivers should know:
BE PREPARED
Before getting behind the wheel, check for any roadblocks or hazardous driving conditions you should be aware of. Watching the news or weather reports is a great way to ensure you are adequately prepared.
MAKE SURE YOUR VEHICLE IS PROPERLY MAINTAINED
Colder temperatures can have negative effects on your vehicle. When temperatures begin to drop consistently, it’s important that you have your vehicle checked for safety and that it is properly working. Be sure to check for things such as:
- Tire pressure
- All of your lights are working (headlights, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals)
- Heat is functioning properly
- Brakes
- Engine
AVOID ABRUPTLY BRAKING
Excessive or abrupt braking can be dangerous when driving in winter conditions. Ice on the road could cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and slide into other lanes, off the road, or into another driver’s vehicle.
LEAVE EXTRA ROOM
Creating extra space for a following distance can be beneficial when driving in the winter or winter weather. It gives drivers extra time to react if something unexpected happens and helps avoid a collision.
OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT
Even if you don’t physically see any, icy or snowy conditions may present. Driving too fast can not only put you in danger but also compromise the safety of other drivers on the road.
BE AWARE OF SLOW OR STOPPED VEHICLES
In the winter, the number of vehicles driving slowly with hazard lights on or completely stopped on the sides of the road or highway may be higher than at other times of the year. All drivers aren’t properly informed of how they can practice safer driving during the winter, so they are more inclined to experience unwanted challenges. As long as you are doing everything right and keeping everyone safe to the best of your ability, things like stranded vehicles, emergency officials responding to an accident, or snow trucks clearing off the roads should be no problem. Always keep an eye on these vehicles and steer clear if you can.
PACK A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT
In the case of an emergency, it’s always beneficial to have a survival kit in your backseat or trunk. This kit can hold any essentials that would be helpful in case of a winter-related emergency. Many winter kits include items such as:
- Blankets
- Chargers
- Water
- Flashlights
- Shovel
- Pocket warmers
Contact A Skilled Westlake Accident Attorney
Even with preparation and winter driving knowledge, an auto accident is not 100% avoidable. If you or someone you know has been involved in a winter weather-related accident, you can contact a skilled attorney who can help you better understand any legal options you may have. Here at Dodosh Law Offices, we have a team of experienced legal professionals who have helped hundreds of individuals in situations similar to yours, so know that you are not alone. We are here to help and are dedicated to getting you the compensation you may be owed.
Contact us today at 844-253-5291 or visit us online to scale your free consultation with a team member.