After yesterdays long snowfall and the freezing temperatures expected to last the next few days it is important that all drivers take extreme caution when getting behind the wheel. After spending several years working with the victims of serious snow accidents around the state as an experienced snow accident lawyer I understand how stressful icy driving conditions can be. Here are some basic snow driving tips to help you navigate better through the ice and slush. 1. Don’t Go: The best way to protect yourself from becoming the victim of a serious snow accident is by avoiding the roads all together. If you are able to avoid the roads all together not only does it increase your safety- it makes the roads safer for those that have to drive as there will be lower traffic volume. If you must take to the roads wait until the snowplows and sanding trucks have made their rounds and your path is relatively clear and safe.
2. Slow it down: You must decrease your speed while driving on ice or snow and you are easily able to slide, if you slide at lower speeds you are able to regain control much more easily than if you are speeding.
3. Leave plenty of space: your stopping speed is greatly reduced by the snow and hard breaking will easily cause an accident. Make sure you leave 3 times the normal following distance- so 12 seconds between you and the car in front of you.
4. Braking: take it easy on the breaks- hard breaking will send you into an accident.
5. Watch out for bridges, overpasses etc. these areas get colder and are more likely to have ice. If you skid: 1. Take your foot of the gas
2. Gently steer your vehicle in the direction you want it to go
3. Gently use your breaks- if you DO NOT have anti-lock brakes pump them gently, if you have anti-lock brakes DO NOT pump them.
If you get stuck: 1. Don’t hit the accelerator hard and spin your wheels..this will get you even more stuck
2. Turn your wheel from side to side- moving the snow around your tires
3. Gently ease your car out of the rut, by gently pushing the gas
4. You can carefully remove snow from underneath your tires, but be careful for traffic
5. Pour kitty litter, sand or gravel around your tires
With this winter expected to be exceptionally harsh I urge you to check your tires and make sure they are ready for winter, for more tips on preparing your vehicle for winter and making sure you have adequate tire tread read the article: Preparing Your Vehicle for a Snow Storm.
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