Winter is just around the corner – and with it comes snow, ice, slush, and poor driving conditions that can lead to motor vehicle accidents. While there is no one particular thing that can be done to prevent winter car accidents, there are a number of precautions that you can take in order to better protect yourself against the hazards that come along with winter driving.
Winter Tires
Every year, there are countless accidents that could’ve been prevented or have been less severe if one or both vehicles had winter tires installed. Winter tires are specially engineered to better grip the road and provide better traction and handling, especially in icy and snowy conditions. While winter tires are an added expense to your car care regime, the benefits for you and your family’s safety far outweigh the initial investment.
Vehicle Preparation
Preparing your vehicle for winter driving goes beyond just changing your tires. Your vehicle should be fully stocked to deal with any inconveniences or emergencies that may arise in your travels. A scraper and brush are both key items to have in your car to help you remove snow and ice from your vehicle and windshield.
Your vehicle should also always have an emergency kit on hand. To get your emergency kit ready for winter, make sure it includes:
- First Aid Kit
- Water
- Flashlight
- Jumper Cables
- Non-perishable foods
- Extra warm blankets
- Shovel
Finally, it’s also important to remember to switch on your lights as the days get darker earlier to help improve visibility. Keeping extra car fluids such as coolant or windshield washer fluid in your vehicle are also a good way to cover your bases in the event of an emergency.
Drive According to Road Conditions
It’s just as important to adjust your own driving habits as it is to prepare your vehicle for winter. Driving slowly and cautiously is important, especially when driving conditions are less than ideal. If you’re driving on an icy or snowy road, making abrupt turns or breaking suddenly can cause your vehicle to skid or lose traction. You should ensure you’re aware of your surroundings and anticipate the potential moves of drivers and pedestrians around you. Avoid tailgating and give vehicles in your vicinity plenty of space in the event of sudden breaking or a change of driving speed. Avoid using cruise control to help you maintain control of your vehicle and reduce the chance of unexpected skids or slips.
Have a Cellphone with You
While most people generally have their cellphones with them as they travel to and from locations, this becomes a key safety measure to follow in the winter. The unpredictability of winter weather can easily turn a manageable drive into a dangerous one in a matter of minutes. Even if you’re only heading out for a short drive, you should make sure that you are bringing along a fully charged cell phone that can be used in the event of an emergency.
Even after taking all of these precautions, vehicle collisions can still happen. In Canada, motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of injury or death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle collision, a personal injury lawyer can help. Our experienced team at Beckett is ready to fight for your rights and get you the justice you deserve. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us for a free case evaluation.
Published on November 29, 2021
