According to the United States Department of Transportation over 1.2 million motor vehicle accidents are weather-related. Approximately 36% of these accidents result in injury. Therefore it is best to take steps to avoid a winter-related collision. Keep in mind the following winter driving safety tips, provided by All Island Security Inc, to reduce your chance of being in an accident.
Stay Home
The most obvious way to avoid an accident is stay home. If the weather looks menacing listen to closings and cautions before you head out. It is possible the roads you are planning on taking are closed. Or your destination may no longer be open for business. Even if closings are not reported consider postponing your trip for when the storm has ended. Don’t hesitate to turn around and head home if the roads are worse than you thought they would be.
Be Seen
If the snow has started and your car needs to be cleared off don’t overlook cleaning off the headlights, tail lights and brake lights. You should also clean all of your windows. You need to be able to see out clearly but you also need other cars to be able to see you so they can avoid hitting you.
Keep Everything Slow
In winter weather you should drive slowly, brake slowly and turn slowly. You are more likely to keep the car in control if you do these three things slowly. This may make it take longer to get to your destination but you will be more likely to avoid an accident.
Recovering if you Skid
Slick roads may mean you wind up skidding. It is important to know how to recover from a skid if you end up experiencing one when driving in winter weather. The first step is to ease off of the gas pedal and then gently apply the brake. This will help your car regain traction if your front tires are skidding. If the back tires are skidding you will feel the car sliding from one side to the other in the back. Applying a little gas will help you recover from this type of skid. You should be steering in the direction of the skid at the same time. If you find you experience a rear skid more often than you would like consider adding weight to the back of your car. This will improve traction and reduce the likelihood of future skids. Put a 20 pound bag of sand in the trunk.
Prepare for the Worst
If you must head out in poor weather conditions you should prepare for the worst. Bring food, water and any necessary medication in case you get stuck unexpectedly. Make sure you have warm clothes, a small shovel and a snow brush in case you need to dig yourself out. Road trip America provides a comprehensive list of items to bring when driving in winter weather.
Keep the above tips in mind so you stay safe when driving our car this winter. Keep safe while in your home as well with a home alarm system.
