With winter just around the corner, the threat of icy, snowy weather is almost here. While the snow is certainly beautiful to look at, it can be an absolute nightmare to drive in, bringing an increased risk of car accidents and serious injuries. If you live in an area of the country that experiences a great deal of winter precipitation, then you need to be ready to drive under bad road conditions.
Fortunately, with the right tips and preparation, you should be able to stay safe while on the roads this winter. Here are a few tips to help you drive safely through the snow, as well as information on when you should consult a Chicago car accident lawyer.
Take Care When Slowing Down and Speeding Up
The biggest cause of a winter car accident is your vehicle losing traction on those slick, snow packed roads. To make sure you’re able to maintain control of your vehicle, it’s important that you apply your gas and brakes judiciously. Speeding up or slowing down too quickly can cause your wheels to slip and your car to spin out of control. Adding a little caution to your normal driving routine will go a long way towards keeping you safe while driving in the snow.
Avoid Stopping
Because snowy weather often coincides with the holiday season, many of us find ourselves driving through the snow on our way to a family gathering. If you know that you’re going to have to go on a long road trip through the snow, you should plan your trip to have as few stops as possible.
Most winter wrecks happen while braking, and if you can eliminate the majority of your stops on your trip, then you can reduce the circumstances that are likely to cause a serious car accident
Give Yourself Extra Time
As previously mentioned, a good portion of snow-related accidents involve braking. In addition to slick conditions, it takes much longer for a car to slow down in the snow than it does under normal driving conditions. If you must drive in the snow, pay close attention to the other vehicles on the road and give yourself ample time to brake your vehicle.
Generally speaking, it takes close to double the amount of time to brake your vehicle in the snow, so you should plan accordingly when hitting the road in inclement winter weather.
Don’t Drive, If Possible
Finally, one of the best tips for driving safely through the snow is to not drive at all. No matter how careful you are or how much you prepare, avoiding a wreck on snowy roads is difficult for even the most experienced drivers. If you can avoid driving during bad winter precipitation, you’ll avoid a bad wreck and the need to hire a Chicago car accident lawyer.
Consult a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a winter car accident, then your first step on the road to recovery should be to consult a Chicago car accident lawyer from the Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers. Our legal team has experience dealing with the complicated factors involved in winter accidents, and we can help you get the settlement you need to move on with your life. Schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys today.
