Winter weather may be beautiful to look at, but it can be treacherous to drive in. For many Pennsylvanians, however, driving in winter weather is unavoidable.
Whether you drive to work every day or are planning a holiday road trip somewhere, it is crucial that you prepare yourselves and your vehicle for the journey. You can do this in the following ways:
Get your vehicle inspected, repaired
Make sure your car is safe and running properly. This means getting that squeak you might hear fixed, checking your tires, changing your oil, and determining why your engine light has been flashing. Also, be sure your headlights and wipers work.
Failure to properly repair and maintain your vehicle can increase the risk of crashing. For instance, you could lose control on icy roads if your tires are bald. You could get struck by another vehicle if your lights are not working. You could wind up sitting on the side of the road with a disabled car in the freezing cold if your engine dies.
Practice safe driving skills
When roads are icy and covered in snow, safe, defensive driving is crucial. To reduce the risk of spinning out or rear-ending others, leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you. Slow down and start braking sooner as your approach an intersection.
If you do start to spin out, take your foot off the gas and turn into the slide, as this winter driving article recommends.
Stay calm and focused
No matter how much experience you have in winter driving, stay calm and focused. Remaining calm means not panicking if you feel yourself start to spin out or slamming on your brakes at every opportunity. It also means giving yourself plenty of time to get from point A to point B.
You also must stay alert. Too many drivers downplay the risks of winter driving or let their guards down. These drivers can wind up in a catastrophic accident after taking out their phone to text, driving too fast or cutting it a little too closely when changing lanes.
Using these tips as the weather gets colder can be crucial in staying safe and avoiding crashes. However, if you do get into an accident, you can discuss your case and potential compensation during a free consultation with an attorney at the Quinn Law Firm by calling us at 814-806-2518.
