You can never be too prepared when it comes to winter driving. Accident rates increase substantially during winter storms, with around 17% of crashes occurring during these weather conditions. Prepare your car for adverse weather by reviewing our tips for bad weather driving.
Consider Purchasing Winter Tires
Winter tires can provide your vehicle with extra security when you are navigating unsafe roads. Even if your area does not receive a large amount of snow, it is still recommended that you prepare your car for cold weather conditions. A tire shop can check the tread on your tires and help you determine if your car needs new tires for the winter season.
Check Your Vehicle’s Fluid Levels and Stock Up on Supplies
Having your vehicle break down on the side of the road is never fun. However, it can be even more unpleasant during the winter months. That is why it is important to check your vehicle’s fluid levels and replace any that are low. Many auto shops offer a winter vehicle checkup that makes it easy to check everything at once.
Additionally, you should consider stocking up on supplies for your travels. Ensure that you have flashlights, heavy blankets, emergency lights and jumper cables in an easy-to-access location. Consider filling a backpack with bottled water and snacks in case you are waiting for help to arrive after a storm.
Give Yourself Extra Time When Traveling
Many accidents occur during the first few storms of the season. This is mostly due to people failing to plan ahead for winter conditions. Prior to the season’s first snowfall, plan out your travel routes for both work and school. Give yourself some extra time in order to reduce the temptation to drive too fast during unpleasant weather conditions.
Leave Extra Space Between Vehicles
Many car accidents take place because people travel too closely behind other vehicles. When people are driving on icy roads during the winter months, they tend to drive the same way as they would on clear roads. It takes substantially longer to slow down or stop on ice and snow, so leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Know What to Do If You Slide
When a vehicle starts to slide, most people react by overcorrecting in the opposite direction, putting yourself and others at serious risk for an accident when the car regains traction. You should review what your vehicle manufacturer recommends to do when encountering an ice patch. Recommendations will vary between manufacturers, depending on the type of car you have and whether your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Our South Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Winter Car Accident
If you followed our bad weather driving tips and were still involved in an accident, then the team at the Law Offices of F. Craig Wilkerson Jr. is here to help. Get your free case evaluation by calling our Rock Hill office at (803) 324-7200. You can also contact us online and provide us with information about your case.