The weather during the winter months can create serious hazards on the road for drivers. Snow and ice on the roads are inevitable when driving in areas with cold, winter climates. These conditions can be dangerous for driving without taking the proper precautions. The following tips can be helpful to remember before heading out on the road to prevent winter car accidents.

Adjust your speed on the road for hazardous winter conditions.

Driving at a slower speed than usual is the best practice when driving on slick roads during the winter. Ice and snow on the road create an increased risk for car crashes because of less traction between the car tires and the road. Adjusting your speed to account for the lower traction while driving can help ensure you have control over your vehicle. 

Accelerate and decelerate gradually. 

When speeding up and slowing down, make sure to do so with caution and gradually. It is important to avoid slamming on the brakes or pressing the gas pedal too suddenly. Accelerating and decelerating slowly can help your vehicle avoid losing traction. It is also important to remember that it takes longer to slow down on icy roads, so accounting for the extra time to decelerate gradually will help prevent collisions. Any sudden or quick movements when driving a vehicle in snow or ice can create a risk for skidding where your tires start slipping out of control. This can cause serious collisions with other vehicles on the road.

Leave extra room between your vehicle and other vehicles on the road. 

Remember that icy roads are slick and require a longer stopping distance between other vehicles. Leaving extra room between your car and others can create a safety buffer and help prevent accidents by leaving enough distance for you to come to a full stop. Keeping extra distance from other cars on the road is a smart defensive driving practice in the event that other vehicle drivers lose control and skid. Driving too close to other vehicles or tailgating is dangerous and reckless especially in hazardous winter conditions. The experienced car accident attorneys at Liles White have handled cases in which people have suffered catastrophic injuries after serious car crashes from failing to take precautionary measures when driving. 

Check your tires to make sure they are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.

Checking to make sure your vehicle is prepared before leaving to drive on icy and snowy roads is an important precautionary measure to avoid car accidents. Ensuring your car’s tires are properly inflated and have enough tread is a simple precaution that can help keep you and your passengers safe when traveling in hazardous weather conditions. Being prepared ahead of time for the potential dangers of driving in icy conditions is an important way to avoid preventable accidents. 

Driving defensively and with caution in hazardous winter conditions is the best way to stay safe on the road. Staying vigilant on the road and aware of the weather forecast is important to prevent dangerous accidents especially during the winter months.