Advice on Driving Safe in Winter Weather

Harsh winter weather can be both intimidating and dangerous at the same time. Now that we are sure snow and ice will be on the roads soon, it is important to review some safe winter driving tips. This is especially important for new drivers and adolescents. A little knowledge can save lives and prevent accidents on the road. As a seasoned driver, you should know how to drive safely in hazardous weather, and what to do in the case of winter roadside emergencies. Continue reading for helpful and imperative winter driving safety tips and more.

Car Accident Attorney 317-881-2700

Car Accident Attorney 317-881-2700

Tips for Winter Driving

As for daily driving, it is important to make sure you do not drive when tired or sleepy. If you are not capable of being one hundred percent alert behind the wheel of a car, especially one with passengers in tow, then you are not in a position to drive responsibly. Before starting your vehicle, be sure your gas tank is at least halfway full in order to avoid your gas lines from freezing up. Also be sure to check your tires and see if they are fully inflated. Low-inflation tires are a big concern on the road, as are over-inflated tires. When tires are too low, traction is lost and can lead to car accidents and collisions; while over-inflated tires can pop on the road, causing vehicles to potentially spin out of control and collide into objects or oncoming traffic.

Other areas to think about before driving in poor weather is the vehicle’s brake lights, headlights, and fluids. All of these parts and components need to be serviced and up-to-date in order for a vehicle to operate safely in any condition. Check your brake lights and be sure they are functional before pulling out of the driveway. Hazard lights should also be checked in the case of a roadside emergency. If snow is falling hard, other cars might have trouble seeing a vehicle on the side of the road unless their flashers are on and bright. In these same cases, it is actually not recommended to use parking brakes or cruise control for reasons regarding driver and passenger safety.

The most important part of safe driving, whether in snow or sunshine, is to always wear a seat-belt. Seat belts are designed to prevent driver or passenger ejection in the case of a collision. Not only is it important to wear a seat-belt for this reason, it is also important because they are designed to work in conjunction with a vehicle’s airbag system. When a car is involved in a collision, the crash sensors within the vehicle relay a message to the airbags to deploy; but these airbags can only service their purpose properly is the driver or passenger is wearing their safety restraints.

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers

If you do experience a car accident or collision, be sure to seek medical attention right away. If you were seriously injured, contact a local persona injury law firm to learn your rights to full and fair compensation for your losses.

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned car accident lawyers are eager to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we recover for you.

Winter Driving Tips for Safe Holiday Traveling

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Winter weather can range in severity, from minor snow flurries to relentless ice storms, and more. No matter which end of the “severity spectrum” winter weather lands on, it can all be hazardous to us drivers if we are not careful. Before the big winter storms hit our communities this season, it is important to review some life-saving driving tips, especially for new or adolescent drivers. Continue reading to learn how to navigate safely on the road in poor weather conditions, and how to drive safer in snow, rain, harsh winds, and ice.

Safe Winter Driving

In addition to learning how to operate a vehicle safely in winter weather, it is important to also be familiar with safety rules for winter roadside emergencies. Many motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents occur when cars are pulled over on the side of the road for emergency repairs or breakdowns. In harsh weather, it can be difficult seeing people or cars on the side of the road until it’s too late. Roadside emergencies are all too common, so knowing how to handle these situations safely and responsibly can mean the difference between life and death. Here are important and effective tips for safe winter driving that can prevent accidents and injuries to drivers and pedestrians alike:

1. Always Wear Your Seat Belt
2. Allow Vehicles to Warm Up in an Open Area for At Least 10 Minutes
3. Reduce Speed in Adverse Weather (i.e. rain, snow, ice, winds, fog, etc.)
4. Remove All Ice and Snow From Windows and Windshields
5. Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly
6. Look and Steer in the Direction You Intend to Go
7. Use Lower Gears in Heavy Snow Fall
8. Keep 3 Times the Space Behind Other Vehicles
9. Apply Brakes Earlier and Gently to Prevent Loss of Traction
10. Use Parking Brake on Inclines

11. Never Stop Mid-Hill or Incline
12. Be Sure the Muffler is Not Clogged with Ice or Snow
13. Turn On Headlights for Daytime Driving
14. Remember that Bridges Freeze Quicker than Roadways
15. Never Drive When Fatigued
16. Be Sure Vehicle Has Ample Fuel to Avoid Frozen Gas Lines
17. Be Sure Vehicle Has All Necessary Fluids
18. Be Sure Tires are Fully Inflated
19. Do Not Use Cruise Control
20. Keep a Mobile Phone and Charger in Vehicle

21. Keep an Emergency Auto Kit in Car
22. Always Check Weather Reports Before Long-Distance Trips
23. Never Attempt to Walk in Severe Snow Storms or Weather
24. Always Remain in Vehicle Until Roadside Rescue Technicians Arrive
25. Do Not Over-Exert Yourself Attempting to Dig or Push Out of Snow
26. Turn Flashers On if Stuck or Pulled Over
27. Tie Something Brightly Colored to the Antenna to Signal Distress if Stuck in Snow
28. Contact a Roadside Assistance Service if Stuck in Snow
29. Just Stay Home If Possible!

Roadside and roadway accidents are bound to happen in poor winter weather conditions. If you or a loved one is injured by a negligent driver this winter, contact a personal injury lawyer to learn your rights. You may be legally entitled to compensation for your damages and losses.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorney Indianapolis

Personal Injury Attorneys Indianapolis 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a car accident injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned personal injury lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are eager to help injured victims recover full and fair compensation following a serious car accident. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and will not collect lawyer fees unless we win your settlement. Call 317-881-2700 and speak with an Indianapolis car accident attorney about your rights, today.