Safety Tips When Driving on Slippery Roads
When the weather changes and becomes more intense, motorists should adjust their driving or pull over until the conditions improve. Unfortunately, some drivers fail to acknowledge the severe dangers associated with inclement weather.
If someone caused you to suffer injuries in a car accident by not driving safely on slippery roads, you can bring a claim for compensation against them.
Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can help you with this process. We provide responsive communication and compassionate legal counsel to help our clients get back on their feet.
For a free consultation and to learn more about working with a Florida car accident lawyer from our firm, call our client intake team today at (954) 633-8270.
10 Tips for Safe Driving on Slippery Roads
Here are 10 safety tips for driving on slippery roads:
1. Check Your Tires Regularly
Safe driving often starts with regular vehicle inspections and maintenance. Tire pressure is a critical part of being able to drive safely on slippery roadways.
You can check your tire pressure at home with a pressure gauge or at some gas stations. It is also a good idea to check the guidelines that are specific to the make and model of your tires to ensure that they are inflated properly. There is a specific level of tire pressure that is assigned for each tire.
2. Keep Your Windshield Wipers Working Properly
In wet weather, your windshield wipers are absolutely critical. If they are not functioning properly, your ability to see may be compromised.
3. Adjust Your Speed
When inclement weather hits and reduces visibility, it may be best to reduce your speed, even if it means traveling below the speed limit.
When you slow your speed, you are better able to react to sudden changes on the roadway. If your car does happen to slip, skid, or drift, traveling slowly may make it easier to regain control of your vehicle.
4. Do Not Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control when the roads are slippery may make it harder to avoid an accident.
If you are not able to immediately slow down and adjust your speed, then you can more easily lose control of your vehicle. Cruise control also tends to make us less observant drivers while we are behind the wheel.
5. Wear Your Seat-belt
Wearing your seatbelt can mitigate any injuries that you may suffer if you are involved in an accident. You should also make sure that anyone else riding with you is wearing their seatbelt and that any children are properly secured in the right type of child safety seat.
6. Follow at a Safe Distance
Wet conditions often delay our ability to stop. It is usually a good idea to increase your following distance when the roads are slippery to ensure you have enough space to stop if the vehicle in front of you suddenly slams on its brakes or if there is some other quick change in traffic.
7. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle
An emergency kit that includes triangles and flares, jumper cables, tools to repair a flat tire, and a first aid kit can help you mitigate any damages or injuries that you sustain if you are involved in an accident.
For winter driving safety, you may also want to include warm clothing, jackets, or sleeping bags in your car’s emergency kit.
8. Ensure Your Vehicle’s Lights Are Working Properly
This includes your headlights, taillights, and your turn signals. Visibility during inclement weather is incredibly important and can help you avoid a collision with another vehicle. A missing headlight or a broken turn signal are usually easy to fix, too.
Some cars come equipped with additional safety features like backup cameras and sensors that tell you when other vehicles are nearby. If you rely on these features, make sure that they are functioning properly at all times.
9. Keep Calm if You’re Involved in a Skid or Crash
If your vehicle begins to slide or if you are involved in an accident, try not to panic. This is usually easier said than done, but it can help prevent the accident from getting any worse.
Avoid the temptation to slam on the brakes if you are skidding and try to steer your vehicle slowly in the direction you want it to go.
10. Have a Plan
Although we like to think that we can avoid motor vehicle accidents, sometimes they occur when roads are slippery and other drivers are being unsafe. Have a plan for who you will call if you are involved in an accident. Be thinking about a safe place to pull over and make sure that your cell phone is charged before driving so that you can contact an emergency responder if needed.
Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Can Help You After a Car Accident
If you were involved in a car accident, you might be entitled to compensation. A car accident attorney Fort Lauderdale from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato may be able to build your case for you. We represent clients throughout South Florida.
To learn more, call Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato now at (954) 633-8270. We provide all callers with a free case review.
