Winter driving and the destinations you have in mind can be a real adventure, but it’s not always the fun kind. When you are behind the wheel in winter, you need to be prepared and drive cautiously as you can face dangerous road conditions, unpredictable weather, and reduced visibility, not to mention all the other drivers around you battling the same conditions. The chilling challenge of driving in winter road conditions can leave you unwilling to travel, but with a few safety tips and some preparedness planning, the cold won’t bother you anyways.
The attorneys at Freeburn Law are well-versed in handling winter road accidents in Pennsylvania. Our team of attorneys are there for you after an accident, fighting for your rightful compensation every step of the way.
Preparing Your Car For the Winter Roads
Before heading out on winter roads, it’s important to ensure your car is ready to handle the new driving conditions. And don’t forget to set your alarm a little extra early so you have time to warm up your car, and you’re not scraping your windshield with a credit card trying to make it to work on time.
Preparing your vehicle:
- Check tire pressure and tire tread
- Ensure all lights are working
- Fill up your windshield wiper fluid
- Install heavy-duty windshield wipers
- Check your cooling system for any needed tune-ups or repairs
And, just in case you find yourself in an unexpected snowstorm, pack a winter emergency kit with essentials like a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, snacks, and even some cat litter for traction. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your drives safe and cozy!
Keep Calm and Drive Slow
Waking up a little earlier isn’t just about having enough time to defrost your windshield; it allows you a little extra time to get where you are going. Going slow, not rushing, or making any reckless driving decisions is the best way to stay safe on winter roads. Slowing down in winter road conditions provides more traction on icy roads, allows you to maintain some extra space between vehicles, and gives you the time to react if the road suddenly turns into a viral crash scene. Winter driving is all about patience, careful timing, and prioritizing safety over speed.
Caution: Ice
When you realize you are about to drive over a patch of ice or face that heart-stopping moment where you realize you are on ice, it’s critical that you remain calm. Any sudden movement can make the situation worse. If you find yourself in this situation, remember:
- Keep the steering wheel steady
- Gently ease off the gas pedal
- Avoid sudden movements
- Do not pump the brakes
- If you start to skid slowly and smoothly, steer in the direction you want to go
- Focus on regaining control
Driving on ice requires extra vigilance and a heightened focus on accident prevention. Always maintain a generous distance between your car and the one in front of you—on icy roads, it can take much longer to stop. Defensive driving is key—stay alert to other drivers' movements and anticipate possible hazards like sudden stops or icy patches on the road.
Liability in Winter Weather Accidents
Drivers should be well aware of the dangers of driving in winter weather conditions, and the law holds them responsible for accidents. Many people are surprised when they discover they can still be at fault if they cause an accident during a snowstorm where the icy road conditions or winter weather make them lose control. You can’t blame the weather for an accident, but you can hold drivers accountable when it comes to liability.
If you have been involved in a winter-weather car accident, several parties could be liable for your damages. Establishing liability after a winter weather accident can be challenging, and the best way to help with that investigation is by hiring a skilled car accident attorney. Working with an experienced legal team will ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries from all accountable parties and have someone representing your best interests in your claim.
Freeburn: Your Trusted Accident Lawyers
The weather outside is frightful, but working with Freeburn is delightful. We know that experiencing a car accident can be deeply emotional and overwhelming, and your priority should be on recovering and healing. Financial worries should never add to your stress, and that’s why our team is dedicated to fighting for the full and fair compensation you deserve so that you can focus on healing. Freeburn Law is proud to serve clients all over Pennsylvania. Contact us today to let Freeburn fight for you.
