6 Essential Driving Tips to Avoid Winter Accidents
As reputable auto accident attorneys in Philadelphia, we handle a myriad of different types of crashes and auto-related incidents every year. Our team of professional auto accident attorneys also wants to help keep drivers safe on the roads this winter. In fact, the following tips should come in handy as the roads become more dangerous.
Check Your Tires and Gas
Ensure that your tires are sufficiently inflated and that your gas tank is at least half full at all times during winter. Driving in the snow and ice is much harder when your tires are not inflated properly. Additionally, gas lines can freeze when temperatures drop below normal.
Go Easy on Your Parking Brake
If possible, lay off using your parking brake during colder weather. The gears on your parking brake could freeze up and make it more difficult to start your car in the morning.
Turn off Cruise Control
If you’re dealing with ice and snow, turn off cruise control. You need to remain in control of your vehicle at all times, especially in icy conditions, when the roads can be unpredictable. Cruise control can lead to wheelspin, increasing the chance that you’ll lose control of your car.
Slow Down
During and after colder weather, everything takes more time. You must factor in time to clear your windshield, warm up your vehicle, and dig out your car. On snowy roads, speed up and slow down gently, leaving plenty of space between your car and the vehicle in front of you.
Try Not to Stop the Vehicle When Driving
Refrain from coming to a complete stop if it can be avoided. It’s harder to make a vehicle pick up speed if it has reached a standstill on a snowy road, especially when driving up a hill.
For Distance Travel
Check the Weather and Prepare Your Vehicle
Before you set out on a long journey, make sure that you check the weather. If a winter storm is in the forecast, you can make plans to avoid the area that it will affect. We also advise avoiding driving through storms altogether. Furthermore, prepare your car to be travel-ready. This is important during long road trips in the wintertime.
For additional information, or to contact the leading auto accident attorneys in Philadelphia, click here to contact a member of the Rizio, Hamilton & Kane, P.C. team today!