Email
Chat
As we head towards spring throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts where we practice personal injury law, there’s likely another storm or two in our near future! During this late winter month, let’s remember some basic tips to minimize the risk of a car accident. Of course, if you are injured in a car accident, we are here to provide 24/7 help by text or call (401-777-7777). Here are 5 tips to help you stay safe when driving in poor weather conditions:
Reduce Your Speeds While Driving In Snow Icy Conditions
Even when the storm is over, the slippery streets are still a serious safety hazard. Reducing your speed and avoiding non-plowed streets is important. If your way of travel does not look safe and cannot be avoided, continue to reduce your speed, and drive with your hazard lights on. This can help not only avoid losing control of the vehicle, but it can help other vehicles around you keep their distance.
Use Your Headlights
March and April may bring warmer weather, but it also brings a lot of fog and rain. During rain or fog, you may be required to turn on your low-beam headlights. Rainy weather can be just as dangerous, especially if it starts to freeze. You want to continue to reduce speed, turn on your headlights and break earlier; using your breaks sparingly, lightly and avoid hydroplaning.
Keep Your Distance From Other Cars To Avoid Car Accidents
Even if you are reducing your speed, you still need to be aware of your surroundings and other vehicles on the road. To help keep a great distance from other vehicles, you can try to locate a fixed focal point ahead and count to yourself, “one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three,”; and this can help keep you three seconds away from the vehicle in front of you. Remember, your stopping distance is the sum of reaction time. Your reaction time is how long it takes you to perceive a hazard and to respond and react on the road.
Drive With No Distractions
Being able to react and respond quickly, can be a life saver when it comes to avoiding a collision with either a hazard or another vehicle. It is important to make sure you are driving with no distractions, including use of a cell phone, eating, or drinking while you are driving and storing your personal belongings properly. Drivers should be careful of any loose items rolling around on the floors and causing distraction or restricting you from using your vehicle properly.
Maintenance: Check Those Wipers!
Speaking of using your vehicle properly, you want to make sure your vehicle is in tip top shape. Especially after a long winter of wear and tear. A few routine maintenances you can do to help driving in poor weather conditions, would be to check or replace your windshield wipers, tires, lights, and your vehicle’s emergency kit.
Before you plan your trip on the road during poor weather conditions, keep our safe driving tips in mind and remember to always check the weather and road closures before you go!
It’s Good to Know Mike Bottaro – 24/7 Top Rated Car Accident Help
At the Bottaro Law Firm, we handle all types of personal injury cases such as car accidents every day. Honesty. Integrity. Results. Our experienced legal team is here to fight for your rights. Contact us in any method you prefer 24/7 for a fast, free, and confidential consultation about your case. Text or call: 401-777-7777 or fill out our free and confidential online form.