Winter Driving Safety
Winter can be both beautiful and harsh. Snow, ice, and inclement weather conditions are often a part of the traveling experience. However, even the most skilled drivers can have trouble in winter weather. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your journey is as safe as possible.
Winter Driving Safety Tips
Driving in the winter can be dangerous in every state, even in places with mild climates like South Carolina. Wind, rain, snow, and ice can all cause major problems for motorists.
One of the most valuable tips for safe winter driving is knowing when to travel and when to stay home. Do not venture out in severe conditions unless it is necessary. If you must hit the road, follow these tips for winter driving:
- Check the weather and road conditions before you leave.
- Take main roads that are better maintained instead of rural back roads to get to your destination.
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
- Increase the distance between you and other cars.
- Prepare your vehicle with snow tires or chains, top off all fluids, and check your battery.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
How to Drive in Icy Conditions
Icy conditions can make for hazardous driving weather. It takes a steady hand and a cool head to navigate slick roadways safely.
First and foremost, ensure that your tires are up to the challenge. Snow tires or chains are best for icy conditions, but they can’t do all the work. Similarly, don’t rely on an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle to power you through ice and snow. Ice significantly reduces your traction.
While traveling on icy roadways, go slow. If you need to slow down, press the brakes gently.
You’ll need extra stopping distance in inclement weather, so allow extra room between your vehicle and other cars. Don’t slam on the brakes if you feel like you are slipping out of control. Instead, turn the steering wheel in the same direction the rear of your car is moving until you come to a stop.
Long-Distance Winter Tips
Embarking on a long-distance trip? The best safety tip is to be prepared. Check your vehicle to see that all parts are in working condition, including windshield wipers, lights, turn signals, the battery, defrosters, and mirrors. Have good winter tires, pack chains, and include ice scrapers to clear your front and back windshields.
As you drive, continuously check road and weather conditions. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and make stops. Always tell family or friends which route you plan to take and what time you plan to arrive. Charge your cell phone before heading out and keep a charger in the car with you.
If you become stranded, remain with your vehicle and stay visible. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. You can conserve fuel and stay warm by running the engine and heater long enough to remove the chill and shutting the engine off.
Be Ready for an Emergency
Don’t get caught driving in the winter without an emergency kit in your car. You’ll need:
- Blankets or extra jackets
- First-aid kit
- Ice scraper
- Batteries
- Bottled water and non-perishable food
- Cell phone charger
- Sand or cat litter
- Spare tire
- Jack
- Flashlight
- Snow chains
- Jumper cables
You may also want to keep a paper map and a list of important phone numbers in your kit.
Contact Wilson Law Group, LLC, If You Are in an Accident
Even when you do everything right, negligent drivers can still cause car crashes. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a South Carolina collision, contact a car accident lawyer from Wilson Law Group, LLC today for a free case review. At the Wilson Law Group, LLC our car accident lawyers want to help car crash victims recover compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident in Banberg, SC, contact our car accident lawyers today!