According to the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, 24% of vehicle accidents related to winter weather conditions happen on snowy, slushy, or icy roads. Fifteen percent happen while it is snowing or in falling sleet.
As a professional driver who spends more time on the road than most during the winter, chances are even greater that a winter driving accident can happen.
Before You Hit the Road
As the outdoor temperature drops during the winter, so does the air pressure in your car’s tires.
- Check your tires to make sure they are at the pressure recommended by the manufacturer which you can find in the owner’s manual or the label on the driver’s side door frame. (The number on the tire itself is the maximum pressure and not the recommended pressure).
- Check your tire’s age, treads, and any damage, and decide if the tires need to be replaced.
- Make sure your windshield and rear window defrosters are in proper working condition and that your windshield wipers are clean.
- If it has snowed since your last drive, make sure to clear your car of any snow or ice covering it. Check the roof, front and back windshield, headlights and brake lights, and door handles.
While You’re Driving
Snowy and icy roads mean unexpected situations can happen faster and with less time and control for correction.
- Drive slow and smoothly. Stay mindful of the steering wheel, accelerator, and brake. Quick turns, acceleration, and stops can unstick the tires from icy roads and start your car sliding out of control.
- Observe road conditions. See if you can tell if the snow covering the road is soft or solid, if there is ice underneath, or if what looks like a clear road is actually covered with black ice.
- Look further down the road ahead of you and add distance between you and other vehicles. This will give you more time to respond with greater control if another vehicle makes a sudden turn, stop, or begins to slide on an ice patch.
- Be careful around snow plows and trucks. These large vehicles move slowly, make wide turns, and make several stops. They also drive across lanes and can create waves of slush and snow that can suddenly block your view.
- Be extra careful when driving over ramps, bridges, and roads that are mostly in the shade. Ice forms quicker there than on other road surfaces.
By following these tips, you can reduce your chances of having an accident, but nothing is guaranteed. Make sure to review IDG Legal’s Accidents Checklist, and make sure to contact us for legal help after an accident.
