During the winter, driving conditions can become incredibly hazardous. Ice and snow cause hundreds of auto accidents each year. Fitzpatrick Santos Sousa Perugini P.C. shares some safety tips to help reduce your risk of an accident while on the road.
Things you should look out for and how to respond:
- Ice and black ice – The traction on your tires can become useless on roads covered in ice, packed snow, or sleet. The rubber cannot grip the slippery surface, which can cause your vehicle to slide or spin out. Black ice can be deceptive in appearance, and many drivers might misinterpret it as a wet road. Keeping a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you can keep you from slipping into their bumper. If you feel like your car is beginning to spin out, take your foot off the gas pedal and spin your steering wheel in the opposite direction.
- Bad Road Conditions – Poor weather conditions and the process of freezing and thawing can greatly damage a road. Be on the lookout for large potholes or other forms of damage. It is also good to remember that pulling over safely onto a shoulder might be impossible since snow is often piled up there. Keep your eyes open for dangerous conditions and for areas to safely pull over if you need to.
- Poor Visibility – Heavy snow or sleet can make visibility while driving near impossible. If you are having difficulty seeing what is in front of you or behind you, slow down your vehicle to a safe speed or pull over and wait for the snow to subside. Also, always make sure you are driving with your headlights on.
Contact Fitzpatrick Santos Sousa Perugini P.C. if you have been injured in an auto accident. We can secure the compensation you need to recover.