If you choose to take to the roads during the snow this winter, for whatever reason, it is important to keep safety as the highest priority. Whether it is a light dusting or a heavy snowfall, you should follow the following tips to keep yourself and other motorists on the road safe during travel:
- Slow down – it is imperative you drive slow in inclement winter weather. With less traction because of the snow or ice, you should drive slowly and also accelerate and decelerate slowly. Avoid slamming on the brakes to avoid sliding or fishtailing. Keep in mind other cars will be doing the same and that everyone on the road needs that extra time to stop and go.
- Leave ample following distance – stopping your car in snow or ice can take anywhere between four and 10 times as long as it does on dry pavement. This means keeping an extra distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you, more so than you do on a normal day. In snow, it should be at least eight to 10 seconds worth of space between you and the next vehicle.
- Use your lights – visibility is key while driving in the snow. This means turning on your lights and using your blinkers so other motorists on the road can see you. It also helps to make sure your vehicle is cleared of any snow so you do not blend in with the weather.
- Beware of ice and black ice – it is important to know that different road surfaces freeze at different rates. You should take extra caution when it comes to overpasses, highway exits, and bridges. If the temperature is freezing or below you should take caution and be wary of black ice, which is difficult to spot. It is called black ice because it blends in with the asphalt roads and parking lots. Go slow at all times to be safe rather than sorry.
These tips will definitely help keep you safe on the road in tough winter conditions. It is also important to stay alert and avoid distractions while behind the wheel. If you step outside and the weather seems like too much to travel in then go back inside and wait it out. It is better to stay off the road than end up in an accident. Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents still happen because of inclement weather and drivers not adjusting to the road conditions. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident because of the negligence of another then you should contact Garber Law, P.C., which serves both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The lawyers at Garber Law, P.C. have been handling personal injury claims that arise from motor vehicle accidents for over 28 years. Call us at 856-804-1639 [New Jersey] or 856-804-1639 [Pennsylvania] or fill out our convenient online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation today.