Prepare Your Car for Snow and Ice
During these winter months, our roads are often covered in ice and snow. During wintry weather conditions, driving can become very dangerous, especially if your car is not prepared. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 1,300 Americans die in car accidents due to winter weather each year, and close to 117,000 suffer injuries. Taking steps to prepare yourself and your vehicle for the winter weather conditions will help avoid serious car accidents.
We cannot control the weather but we can check the latest weather report before we hit the road. If the forecast shows snow, ice, or any kind of wintry mix, it is best to stay off the roads entirely until the weather subsides and roads are cleared. If travel is unavoidable, take the following steps to ensure your safety:
- Share your travel plans and your intended route with someone before your leave in case something happens
- Make sure you have a full tank of gas
- Keep the following items in the car:
- Shovel
- Jumper cables
- Fully inflated spare tire
- Tool kit
- Salt or cat litter to help melt ice or snow and improve traction
- First aid kit
- Non-perishable snacks and bottled water
- Blankets and other warm clothing
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Never leave your car if you become stranded. Use your hazards or light a flare if you have one.
Winter Weather Driving Tips
To get ready for winter, it is always a good idea to have a mechanic perform a complete systems check on your vehicle, including the ignition, brakes, spark plugs, battery, tire wear, hoses, and fan belts. Once your car is serviced and ready, AAA offers the following tips for drivers:
- Make sure all tires are radial, and with a similar degree of wear
- Leave plenty of distance between yourself and the car in front of you in case you need to stop on a slick or icy road
- Avoid using cruise control in wintry weather
- Do not use your parking brake to slow down or stop
- Confirm whether your car has antilock brakes, and “pump” the brakes automatically if the car begins to skid
- Do not make sharp turns or brake quickly
- Avoid using your brakes when approaching a curve or going up a hill
- Do not drive alongside, or very close to other vehicles
Liability for Car Accidents in Winter Weather
Anytime a driver makes the decision to drive in wintry weather conditions, he or she must take appropriate precautions or risk being held liable if an accident should occur. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you file a claim if you are involved in a weather related car accident.
New Brunswick Car Accident Lawyers at Harold J. Gerr Represent Victims Injured in Car Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to snow, ice, or other hazardous winter weather conditions, the New Jersey car accident lawyers at Harold J. Gerr know how to navigate the claims process for a car accident that occurred during inclement weather. We will work closely with you to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Call our Highland Park, New Jersey offices today at 732-537-8570 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
