As the weather continues to worsen, it is important to remember the dangers of driving in unfavorable conditions. According to the US Department of Transportation, 17 percent of all accidents occur during winter conditions. Driving on snow and ice may seem routine to us during the colder months, but sometimes our skills and reflexes are tested during certain storms. Recently, snow has fallen at a faster and more consistent pace than normal, which evidently results in a snow pile-up and icy road conditions. Although the state of Illinois lays down salt and plows the roads, driving conditions can still be extremely unsafe. Staying safe and prepared during these conditions could be the difference between life and death.
Some ways to prepare your vehicle for before a snowstorm is:
- Have a proper amount of tread on your tires. Some ways to check the tread on your tires are by comparing the indentations to the thickness of a quarter.
- Carry an ice scraper and shovel – These tools are a necessity when living in colder climates. Having full visibility while driving is important to the safety of you and your passengers, so scraping all windows and mirrors is a must.
- Have a full tank of gas – Although the myths that the gas in your tank will freeze if the temperature drops too low have been proven false, when storms hit there is a possibility that gas stations will close. Having a full tank of gas means you will not have the possibility of running out of gas.
- Carry a fully equipped first aid kit – In the case of an emergency, having a first aid kit can be the difference between life and death.
While Driving:
- Wait for full visibility before driving – Although you may be in a rush to get to your destination, driving with snow or ice on your windows is reckless and could cause a car collision.
- Start your engine at least five minutes before you drive- warming your engine before you drive can not only prepare your car for the snow, but it can also aid in melting the ice off of your windows.
- Drive slowly – While driving in snow, it is important to remember that traction will be hindered as it takes your car 10 times the amount of time to stop compared to normal driving conditions. Driving slowly means you can remain in control of your vehicle.
- Brake earlier than normal – snow and ice on the roads can impair your brakes. Taking more time to break can ensure that you have a safety net
Snowstorms can be extremely dangerous, no matter how much driving experience you have. Even if we follow all of these safety tips, sometimes car collisions still happen. If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a car crash at the fault of someone else, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the experienced car crash attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C. by calling (815) 929-9292 or visiting one of our three offices located in Champaign, Danville, and Kankakee.
