We just saw a major blizzard here in New York, so we thought it might be good to take a moment to review safety tips for driving in icy, snowy weather.
We’re here to help if you get into a car accident regardless of what inclement weather conditions are like. However, we’d love to see you remain as safe as possible.
Limit Time on the Road in Severe Weather
One of the best ways to avoid accidents is to stay off the roads altogether. We know some people have no choice but to travel, but some have the option to stay in.
We urge you to pay close attention to the weather throughout the winter months, and to plan ahead. If you already have all your groceries, for example, then you won’t have to run out in the storm to get milk.
Keep Your Vehicle Prepared
It’s never too late to check your vehicle’s vital systems. The United States Department of Transportation offers a handy checklist.
Here’s the short list of systems you should be checking.
- Lights
- Windshield Wipers
- Wiper fluid should be rated for -30 degrees
- Cooling Systems
- Tires
- Batteries
- Brakes
We also urge drivers to place emergency supplies in your car.
- Snow shovels
- Brooms
- Ice scrapers
- Kitty litter
- Jumper cables
- Flashlights
- Flares
- Emergency Markers
- Cell phone
- Chargers
- Water
- Food
- Medicine
- Blankets
When you have emergency supplies on hand, it’s much easier to make the decision to pull to the side of the road and wait the storm out when necessary.
Slow Down and Pay Attention
When the roads are icy it’s imperative for drivers to slow down. You should keep far more car lengths between you and the other cars than you normally do.
This also is a good time to remain absolutely focused on driving. Turn off your phone, set your radio to whatever you’re going to listen to before you leave the house, and avoid adjusting your GPS device. Your eyes need to be on the road at all time as there is even less margin for error when the roads are icy.
Clean Your Car
You might be in a hurry to get on the road, but you need to clean your windshields and mirrors completely before you get on the road. You don’t want to limit your visibility, and you don’t want to limit the visibility for others when big chunks of ice break off of your vehicle to strike vehicles behind you.
You might have to sit with your car to avoid theft while it warms up, but the added safety will pay off in spades.
Contact Us if You Need Us
If you do get into an accident, it’s very important to contact a personal injury attorney as quickly as possible so that we may review your case and begin working on it if we decide to take it.
We’ll help you maximize the value of your settlement and navigate insurance company dirty tricks. Call now to schedule your first appointment.
See also:
What is a Serious Injury in New York?
How is Pain and Suffering Calculated in New York?
When Can You Sue for a Car Accident in New York?
