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WINTER DRIVING AND ACCIDENTS

Posted by: at 7:45 AM on January 12th, 2022

Driving can already be a stressful activity, but when you add in winter weather it can certainly raise one’s anxiety level.  You can take steps to make your time behind the wheel less worrisome and safer by avoiding these winter driving mistakes.

#1:  UNPREPARED

While not just a winter concern, always be prepared.   Regardless of the weather, always keep an emergency kit in your car.  Your kit should contain a snow brush, gloves, heavy blankets, first aid kit, road flares, rope/chain, jumper cables, rock salt, cell phone charger, small tool kit and water/snacks.  Besides the emergency kit, before you venture out check the weather and make sure you have at least a half tank of gas   

#2: SNOW & ICE REMOVAL

Driving with any snow or ice on your car is not only dangerous, but illegal in some cases. Flying snow or ice from your vehicle can causes a car accident, property damage or other injuries.  Avoid a potential catastrophe and clear snow and ice before you drive.  

#3: DRIVING TOO FAST

Speed limits are set for ideal driving conditions only.   In wet, snowy or icy conditions, you need to adjust your speed and drive slower for everyone’s safety.  Driving slowly gives you more time to react if the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly or if you hit a patch of ice.

#4: DRIVING TOO CLOSE TO SNOWPLOWS

While they may be going slower than you like, be patient and stay behind the plow at a safe distance. The road ahead is likely covered in snow and ice.  Passing and getting in front of a snow plow during severe weather may lead to an accident that could have been avoided.  Remember the following:

  • Stay at least six car lengths behind an operating snowplow.
  • Turn on your headlights so the snowplow operator can better see you.
  • Move as far away from the center line as possible when approaching a snowplow head-on.
  • Never pass several trucks plowing side-by-side in a “plow train.