Last weekend we finally got the weather many of us have been waiting for –a true winter landscape– even if some were disappointed by the amount we actually ended up getting. We say if the high is going to be in the mid-20’s it might as well snow. Winter weather is beautiful, but it always tends to bring a higher risk of auto accidents along with it.
We hope everyone stayed safe this weekend, but who knows what we can continue to expect this winter? The latest it’s snowed in recent years has been March and April. If winter weather hits us again this year, it’s important to keep these tips in mind to lower your chances of getting into an accident and preventing damage to you, your passengers, and vehicle.
How To Drive In The Snow
The first step to being a better driver in wintery conditions is to prepare your car. Be sure to check your antifreeze and coolant levels. Engines can actually become frozen in bitter temperatures if your car doesn’t have proper levels of antifreeze. Make sure your tires have enough pressure and tread depth. Good tires can be the deciding factor on whether an accident occurs or is avoided.
Remember, if you do get in an accident or your car breaks down, snow can stop up your vehicle’s exhaust system. Always check before getting in your car to see if anything is plugging the exhaust pipe. If you get stuck in a snowstorm, only leave your car running for 10 minutes at a time to ensure the deadly fumes don’t make their way into your car.
Here are a few other tips
- You should always keep your gas tank at least half full in the winter.
- Keep as much distance from other drivers around you as you can so that if your car does spin out of control, you will hopefully avoid a collision.
- You can check how slippery the roads are by tapping breaks and moving your steering wheel when you have the space to do this to see how much control and traction you have. If you begin to skid, release the accelerator and let the car slow down on its own without using the brakes.
If you do get into an accident, don’t forget the 10 things we shared last year that you must do immediately following a car accident. Be sure you have a full understanding of your auto insurance as well.
What You Need In A Winter Survival Kit
If you’re in a car accident or get stuck in traffic from someone else’s accident, it’s imperative to keep a winter survival kit in your car. A car survival kit is always a good idea, but we like to think of it as more of a necessity in the winter. The cold has proven to do a lot of surprising things to cars–and to people– that doesn’t happen in any other season.
There are many situations that could put you and your passengers in danger during the winter like sudden breakdowns and car wrecks. If your car breaks down, you could lose all the heat in your car very quickly. If there is bad weather, other drivers may not be able to see you well, even if you’re driving right in front of them or you’re pulled over. Keep the following items in your survival kit:
- A small shovel
- Windshield scraper
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Snacks like energy bars
- Extra socks, gloves, hat, etc.
- First aid kit
- Blankets or a sleeping bag
- Booster cables
- Emergency reflectors
We hope these tips are helpful to you through the winter months. The best way to keep safe when there is winter weather is to only drive when it’s an absolute necessity. If an accident happens to you and you begin to experience pain from it, don’t hesitate to consider our treatments we offer. Car accidents can sometimes be unavoidable, but treating it doesn’t have to be. Contact us to see how we can improve your quality of life after an accident.
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