With winter weather quickly approaching, it is important to make sure your vehicles are properly maintained and supplied in the event of a collision or in case you are stranded due to weather conditions. According to the Department of Transportation, 22% of all vehicle crashes in the United States are due to severe weather. That means during the winter, driving conditions are most dangerous with snow, sleet, ice, and rain.
You should prepare your car by having it serviced and making sure you have proper tires for winter driving. It’s a good idea to have an emergency kit packed in your vehicle. This should include gloves, boots, flares, kitty litter or sand, first-aid kit, bottled water, sleeping bag, or blankets, and a cell phone charger.
Other than keeping an emergency kit in your car, you should also keep these things in mind for winter driving:
· Using a 50/50 mix of coolant and water has a lower freezing point
· Shut off wiper blades before turning off your car so next time you start it, they won’t be trying to move ice
· Keep you gas tank filled
· Top off your windshield wiper fluid
· Use the air-conditioner to remove frost and condensation
· Know your brakes
You can also practice winter driving and test your brakes in a snow covered empty parking lot. Don’t become overconfident with the technology your car has. All-wheel drive simply helps you move, not stop.
When driving in the snow and winter weather, do everything slowly. Leaving plenty of space between your car and the one in front of you is important especially if you start to slide. Practice driving on a snow-covered road in a large empty parking lot. Consider buying a vehicle that has safety features to help in bad weather. Above all, allow plenty of time to get to your destination-better to arrive safe and late than not arrive. If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact one of our attorneys to get the help you deserve.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
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