The intense summer heat is finally behind us, but the harsh winter weather will appear more quickly than we realize. Now is an excellent time to get ahead of essential car maintenance to prevent being stranded in dangerous conditions. It’s always a good idea to review tips for staying safe in inclement weather.
Steps to Stay Safe in Winter
Every year, automobile accidents pile up along with the snow. It might not be possible to avoid all accidents caused by others’ negligence. However, there are steps for winter driving you can take so that you and your family can stay safe:
- Maintain your vehicle:No matter the season, take care of basic maintenance like oil changes and fluid checks. Also, make sure all your lights are working. Inspect and replace worn tires. If you have not had a tune-up in some time, consider it and make sure the engine, brake, and other fluids are topped off. Try to keep your gas tank full during winter in case dangerous road conditions force you to take unexpected and lengthy detours. Keeping the gas tank at least half-full will prevent the gas line from freezing. Another safety measure is to test your battery, which can drop in power in colder temperatures.
- Do a pre-trip check: Avoid putting your vehicle in motion before clearing frost or ice off the windshield, mirrors, and backup cameras. Also, allow the engine to warm up a few minutes before you hit the road. Finally, checking the weather forecast can help you anticipate hazardous conditions or determine whether driving will be too dangerous.
- “Ice and snow, take it slow”:As a general rule during the winter, you should try to leave early and plan more travel time than usual to ensure you get to where you need to go. Allow yourself more distance behind other vehicles if you skid or need more time to stop. Also, do not crowd snowplows and other maintenance vehicles. It might be a good idea to map alternative routes if your usual one includes steep hills or poorly traveled roads.
- Be prepared for the unexpected:Keep a mobile phone in the car for emergencies, but never talk or text while driving. Also, make sure to keep your tires properly inflated. Keep on hand safety provisions like warm blankets, chemical hand warmers, a small shovel, and cat litter or other gritty material (for traction on ice). You might keep all these supplies in an emergency kit in your trunk.
Bad winter weather in Ohio is a given, and unsafe driving and lack of preparation can lead to car accidents. You might still become involved in a car wreck despite your best efforts. If you have questions about an injury or insurance claims, obtain skilled legal counsel from an auto accident law firm as soon as possible.