With the winter season upon us, driving in poor weather conditions is essentially a given. In the wintertime, drivers across Pennsylvania will encounter snow, ice, and more, making their daily commute a very dangerous one. Fortunately, by taking certain safety precautions and following the rules and regulations of the road, you may drastically lower your chances of getting into an accident. Below, we have provided a list of various precautions you can take to ensure you arrive safely at your next destination.
- Carry supplies in your glove box or trunk: Nobody ever wants to imagine getting stuck in the snow, let alone for hours, or perhaps even days. Unfortunately, this can happen, and if it does, it’s always best to be prepared.
- Pack various snow-related safety items including scarves, gloves, extra layers (i.e. warm coats), glass scrapers, non-perishable food, bottles of water, flashlights, and any other gear you think may help in an emergency situation. Also, before heading out, make sure your phone has a charge. Never text and drive–however, if you are stuck somewhere, you’ll want to contact others to let them know.
- Never go below half a tank of gasoline. If you are ever stranded in a snowstorm or dead-stop traffic, the last thing you want is for your car to run out of gas. That can turn a bad situation into a life-threatening one.
- Ensure your tires are always inflated and have enough tread to pass inspection–that being said, purchasing snow tires also can’t hurt. They may be costly, but they can also save your life in the long run.
- Stay far back–do not tail motorists. Though generally, it is a good rule of thumb to stay 3 car-lengths away, when it snows, stay 5-6 car lengths away. If the driver in front of you slams on his brakes and you skid into him, the accident will most likely be considered your fault.
- If you are going up a snowy hill, do not hit the brakes. Generally, it is best to gain some momentum on flat ground before taking on a hill. If you get stuck on a hill, slamming on the gas will only make your wheels spin.
- Drive slowly: Though you should always drive the speed limit, you should not be afraid to drive far below the speed limit if the ground is covered in snow or ice. Remember, safety is paramount.
- Allow plenty of time to brake: Oftentimes, it is best to break well before coming to a stop sign in the snow. If you brake when you normally do, you may skid past the stop sign and into an intersection, which, rather obviously, is extremely dangerous.
Unfortunately, taking all the above safety precautions is sometimes not enough. If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, there is a very good chance you will qualify for financial compensation. Our firm has been helping individuals recover the compensation they need for years, and we are ready to do the same for you. Simply reach out to our experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys today.
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Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
