If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, contact Apicella & Schlesinger today. With over 45 years of experience, we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients involved in car accidents.
Winter is fast-approaching, meaning it’s time for drivers to brave snowy, slippery roads that obscure their line of sight. Winter is tough for drivers, especially inexperienced drivers who’ve just obtained their licenses. However, the adverse winter conditions shouldn’t deter you from driving whenever you need to go.
According to NHTSA, 17% of all car accidents happen during the winter months. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, contact Apicella & Schlesinger today. With over 45 years of experience, we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients involved in car accidents.
Below are some winter safety tips so you can drive safely to your destination without harming yourself, passengers, or other road users.
Stay at Home
Winter is often a hazardous time to be out on the road, so staying at home is advisable to reduce your chances of getting into an auto accident unless you have to drive. You can always have vendors deliver food and groceries to your doorstep. Don’t go driving on the road unless you absolutely have to.
Take It Easy on the Road
If you decide to drive, remember to drive slowly and extra carefully. Car tires lose most of their grip on icy roads. This means it’s easy for your car to lose control, especially on sharp turns. Slowly step on the accelerator to avoid skidding and start decelerating from a distance before finally braking. Remember, hitting your brakes abruptly will make your vehicle skid, leading to a tragic accident.
Keep Distance Behind the Vehicle Ahead
Tailgating isn’t something you want to do during winter. Instead, keep adequate distance between you and the vehicle ahead so you don’t bump into it should the driver brake abruptly. Remember, the driver behind is mostly at fault in rear-end collisions.
Maintain Momentum While Going Uphill
Going up a hill can be pretty tricky during winter. That’s because the lack of grip makes the car slide back down mid-way up the hill. That’s why you need to build momentum on the flat surface before going uphill. That way, you can maintain this momentum until you’re on top of the hill. Whatever you do, don’t stop mid-way through the hill; the lack of traction will have you moving downhill in reverse.
Test Your Brakes
Test your brakes on your driveway before hitting the road. This will help ensure your brakes work correctly before you hit the road. Remember, your foot should never leave your brake pedal while driving on winter roads.
The above tips should help your drive safely through icy and snowy roads. Remember, don’t go driving unless you have to. Keep the above information in mind the next time you’re out for a winter drive – it could save a life.
NY Car Accident Attorneys
Someone in the New York metropolitan area is involved in a motor vehicle accident every few minutes. Some drivers and passengers walk away with minor injuries and call it a bad day. When more severe injuries occur — broken bones, head injuries, back injuries, and other harms that require hospitalization and lost work time — victims need experienced, qualified legal guidance.