Bad weather can create hazardous driving conditions, and nobody knows this better than people who live in areas that see a lot of snow and ice. If you're one of those people, then you know how important it is to be extra careful when driving in the snow and ice. But even if you're not used to driving in snowy and icy conditions, there are still some things you can do to stay safe. Here are some tips for driving safely in the snow and ice.
How to Drive Safely in Icy and Snowy Weather
Driving in snow and icy conditions can be treacherous. The decreased visibility makes it difficult to judge distance and the moisture on the ground can quickly freeze over, creating dangerous black ice. The following tips can help you stay safe while driving in snowy and icy weather:
- Drive slowly and carefully – After a snowfall, drivers should always be especially careful and drive slower than normal. It is also important to watch for changes in road color while driving that might indicate an area of black ice ahead. If you find yourself driving on an icy road, do your best to stay in control and take any corrective actions calmly and gradually. With some extra care and caution, we can all make it to our destinations safely this winter.
- Allow extra time to reach your destination – When it comes to personal safety, allowing extra time to reach your destination is essential. Not only does taking your time prevent dangerous situations like speeding, but it can also help avoid the stress that comes with rushing to make an appointment. The added pressure of trying to make it to your destination can lead to speeding, which can increase the risk of an accident. By adding a few extra minutes into your trip, you are taking proactive steps towards safe traveling that could potentially save you from costly repercussions.
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles on the road – Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles on the road is an essential and simple action that can greatly reduce the risk of car accidents. When behind the wheel, it is important to be aware of your own vehicle's size and speed in relation to others. If you are driving too closely to another car, emergency braking can lead to a rear-end crash. In addition, driving recklessly or at excessive speed around curves can cause you to lose control and collide with other cars. Taking safety precautions, such as leaving plenty of room between you and other drivers, can go a long way toward preventing catastrophic outcomes.
- If you start to skid, turn into the skid and avoid overcorrecting – Braking suddenly or turning the steering wheel too far in one direction or the other can cause a car to skid, potentially leading to accidents and injuries. If your car begins to skid in snowy or icy conditions, it is important to remember that the best course of action is to turn into the skid and avoid overcorrecting when you turn the steering wheel. When you into the skid, you should also reduce your speed while continuing to steer in the direction you need to go. To maintain control of the vehicle, stay off your brake or accelerator pedals and do your best to remain calm until the car straightens itself out. By doing so, you can prevent a potentially dangerous situation from spiraling out of control.
- Use engine braking – No matter the weather conditions, keeping a safe braking distance is an important aspect of driving defensively. Without a doubt, the ability to come to a full stop quickly is a crucial skill for any driver. Even so, relying solely on your brakes neglects one of the best defensive driving techniques available: engine braking. Engine braking allows drivers to slow down without using their brakes. You can do this by reducing excess speed and keeping your car under control in hazardous situations. This extra level of control can mean the difference between staying safely on the road or causing an accident due to brake failure. Safety-conscious drivers should make sure they are familiar with engine braking practices and use those tactics in tandem with regular braking.
- Use your headlights and taillights – Driving in inclement weather or in low-light conditions can be a challenge for any driver. However, it is important to ensure that your car's headlights and taillights are being used properly so that other drivers can see you easily. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to realize the importance of using their headlights and taillights on dark roads and during rainfall, snowfall, or foggy conditions. It is essential for all drivers to understand that having their vehicle's lights turned on significantly increases their visibility and improves road safety. Keeping your headlights and taillights properly working is not only important during hazardous weather conditions but imperative no matter what type of weather you’re driving in. Being visible to other drivers helps ensure that everyone gets home safely.
Speak with Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Schenectady for Free Today
If you or a loved one was the victim of a car accident caused by someone else while in snowy or icy weather conditions, our experienced car accident lawyers at DeLorenzo, Grasso & Dalmata, LLP are ready to help you.
For almost 75 years, our law firm has been helping injury victims and their families in Schenectady and its surrounding communities make sure those at fault for their injuries are held responsible. We know what it takes to guide clients through the process of holding those responsible for their pain and suffering accountable, including securing compensation for hospital bills, property damage, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, funeral expenses, and more.
To learn more about DeLorenzo, Grasso & Dalmata, LLP, including how we’ve helped injury victims and their families secure justice throughout the years, review our case results.
Call us at (518) 299-0314 or contact us online today for a free consultation with our experienced car accident attorneys in Schenectady.