10 Tips to Prevent a Winter Weather Driving Accident
If you drive in Denver or Colorado Springs, Colorado, you already know that winter weather can quickly turn the roads into an ice rink. In fact, 17 percent of all auto accidents are winter driving accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
While you can’t control how other motorists drive, there are plenty of things you can do to keep yourself as safe as possible on the roads. When the snow starts falling, follow these tips to ensure you get through the winter without experiencing an auto accident.
Be Prepared
Winter weather can sneak up on you. In Denver, it can be sunny and pleasant one day and icy and bitterly cold the next.
This is why it’s important to winterize your vehicle well before cold weather arrives. It’s a good idea to get your vehicle checked over by a mechanic, who can inspect the tires and engine, as well as top off your vehicle’s fluids. You should also replace your car’s wiper blades.
If you do a lot of rural or off-road driving, you may want to switch to snow tires. Good tires can help you avoid a serious car accident.
It’s also a good idea to test your vehicle’s battery and replace it if needed.
Check the Weather Forecast Before You Drive
Before you leave for your destination, take a look at the weather forecast. This way, you can alter your route if needed. You should also give yourself extra time if the weather looks bad.
Remove Snow from Your Vehicle
Just about everyone has had the experience of driving down the highway and spotting a car covered in snow. Perhaps you’ve even driven behind someone whose car is shedding snow, flinging ice missiles all over the road — and your windshield.
When motorists neglect to clear their vehicles of ice and snow, they create a hazard for everyone on the road. When a driver can’t see due to a build-up of snow or ice on their vehicle, they risk being involved in a serious crash like a rear-end collision, side impact crash, or T-bone accident.
If you have the misfortune of being involved in a side impact accident or T-bone accident, it’s important to contact AGG Law Firm your Denver & Colorado Springs, Colorado car accident lawyers who can help you sort out the details of the car accident.
Slow Your Speed
Excessive speed makes it more difficult to stop. In icy or snowy weather, slick roads can send a car hurtling into another vehicle, creating a serious rear impact accident. By slowing down, you can decrease the risk of being involved in a car accident.
Increase Following Distance
Avoid following cars in front of you too closely. When ice builds up on the roads, it typically takes a car longer to come to a complete stop. If you’re following the car in front of you too closely, you could cause a rear-end collision.
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end impact accident, get in touch with AGG Law Firm your Colorado & Colorado Springs, Colorado car accident lawyers. We regularly handle rear-end impact accidents.
The six-second rule: A good rule of thumb is to pinpoint an object on the side of the road, such as a road sign. As the vehicle in front of you passes it, start counting. There should be a minimum of six seconds between the time the vehicle ahead of you passes the sign and your vehicle passes the sign.
Don’t Make Abrupt Motions
Avoid jerking your wheel around or passing other vehicles with short, abrupt motions as you drive. Any sudden movement with your car’s tires can send you into a skid, resulting in a car accident.
Instead, take your time when you drive, and use slow, gradual movements if you need to pass someone.
Learn How to Recover from Sliding and Skidding
It’s human instinct to jerk a steering wheel in the opposite direction when your car starts sliding or skidding.
However, the best way to get out of a skid or slide is to turn your wheel into the direction of the slide or skid. If you begin sliding or skidding, you should also avoid slamming on the brakes. Instead, tap them gently as you turn into the direction of the slide or skid.
Don’t Get Distracted
It can be tempting to check your text or email when you’re stuck in slow-moving snowy traffic. However, even a moment’s distraction can lead to a side impact crash, SUV rollover, or T-bone accident. Serious distractions behind the wheel can even lead to a catastrophic head-on collision.
It’s quite common for people in snowy climates to drive trucks and SUVs. Unfortunately, these large vehicles can cause serious physical injuries in an auto accident.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident involving an SUV, contact Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden your auto accident attorneys in Denver or Colorado Springs, Colorado. We have extensive experience handling SUV rollover accidents, head-on collisions, and other serious SUV collisions.
Always Signal When You Turn
Just because you’re moving slowly in icy or snowy weather doesn’t mean you can skip using your turn signal. In low visibility, using your turn signal helps other drivers know where you intend to move.
Avoid Using Cruise Control
Cruise control can be a convenience, but it can also increase your risk of an accident in winter weather.
In winter weather, you want as much control over your vehicle as possible. Skip the cruise control so you can stay safer behind the wheel.
Contact AGG Law Firm your Denver & Colorado Springs, Colorado Car Accident Lawyers
No matter how carefully you drive, auto accidents can still happen. If you’ve been involved in any kind of winter weather car accident, our experienced Denver & Colorado Springs, car accident lawyers can help.
Don’t wait call the experienced car accident attorneys at Alhasoon, Glidden & Glidden to see how we can help you with your case.
