It is important to understand that road safety is paramount year round, but it is especially crucial during the winter months. Winter conditions can be severe and dangerous if a driver is not prepared. In fact, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 500,000 car accidents and 2,000 fatalities occur in wintertime each year in the Unites States. Every driver must do their part to ensure safety. There are multiple steps a driver should take during winter.
Perform Car Maintenance
Taking a vehicle to the local mechanic or dealership is a good way to see if there are any repairs needed before road conditions start to worsen. These components include wipers, lights, tires, and brakes. Some drivers plan their state inspections right before the winter as well. Fluids and the car battery should be checked and changed if it is necessary. Also, keep in mind that colder temperatures decrease a battery’s charge, so it might be best to replace the battery for winter.
What Should be Included in a Car Emergency Kit?
Proper preparation is important, so having a well-equipped emergency aid kit stored in the car is wise. An emergency kit should contain the following:
- Blankets
- Warm clothes
- Road flares
- Water
- Non-perishable foods
- Bag of salt or sand
- Snow and ice scraper
All these items can help one wait for assistance if they are stuck on the road because of ice or snow.
What Should I Do Before Driving?
There are a few steps to take before traveling, including:
- Let the car heat up before heading out. Do not let a car run in a garage or enclosed area because of carbon monoxide poisoning. Some towns have laws regarding letting a vehicle idle for too long. It is also a good idea to have plenty of gas in the car before departing.
- Clean off windows, lights, and safety features, like lane departure sensors. A driver must clear the snow on top of a car. Not only does the driver risk the snow sliding down onto the windshield while driving, but it is also very hazardous to other motorists.
- Check the forecast. Only travel if it is necessary. If driving is unavoidable, a motorist should always carry a cellphone and let someone about their plans.
Follow All Traffic Rules
It is incredibly important that all motorists know how to drive in inclement conditions. Speeding up or driving aggressively can be extremely dangerous on snowy roads. All drivers should slow down to make up for the loss of traction and maintain safe following distances. Accelerating too quickly can spin the wheels and cause the driver to lose control, and stopping too quickly might cause the brakes to lock.
It is also important to maintain focus behind the wheel and limit all distractions. Distracted driving is dangerous in all road conditions and should be avoided. Also, motorists should always obey traffic laws. If a person is hit by a negligent driver, they should speak to a lawyer about their legal options.
Delaware County Personal Injury Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Protect Injured Clients Against Negligent Drivers
During the winter months, every driver should think about safety. If you were recently in a car accident, speak to one of our Delaware County personal injury lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. today. Contact us online or call us at 610-565-3701 for a free consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.