Safe Winter Driving: Tips to Prevent Snow Accidents

Have you ever traveled during winter to reunite with your family for holiday gatherings? While most choose to be close to their loved ones, winter, unfortunately, presents a distinct set of challenges for drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Driving conditions are dangerous on slick and icy roads because they reduce traction and raise the possibility of cars skidding or losing control. Aside from this, drivers may experience reduced visibility from snow and fog, which heightens the risks of snow-driving accidents.

With the increased dangers during this adverse weather, there are several steps you can follow to avoid snow-driving accidents. Read on to learn how to avoid collisions due to snow and what to do when involved in one.

Can I Get Into An Accident When Driving In Winter?

Weather conditions are one of the factors that cause car accidents. It significantly increases the risk of a car crash due to its effect on roadways and travel conditions. Every year, there are an average of 900 deaths related to snowfall or sleet.

With this, you should take precautions when driving in winter, snow, or ice to avoid fatal car collisions.

Snow Driving Safety Tips

During the winter, it is best that you stay at home and refrain from driving long distances to avoid car accidents. However, if you must, the following tips can keep you safe and away from accidents when traveling:

Before going on the road

Tip 1: Prepare and stock winter-related gear.

It is necessary to prepare and stock winter-related gear in case of an emergency. Make sure that you have the following when driving in snow:

shovels,
blankets,
ice scraper,
flashlight,
food,
water, and
medicine.

Tip 2: Check if your tires are inflated correctly.

Before traveling, you should check if your tires are inflated well. Here are the steps to check the pressure of your tires:

Determine the air capacity of your tires.
Look for a gauge and an air compressor.
Insert the gauge into the valve stem.
Press down the gauge firmly until the hissing sound from the tire stops.
Check the current air pressure and ensure it matches the manufacturer’s specifications.

Tip 3: Plan your route.

It is best to plan your route and check the condition of the roads you will be taking. This will reduce the chances of being in an accident.

Tip 4: Know your car’s capacity.

Your vehicle has safety features that help you travel safely, especially in emergencies. Make sure to know these features and check their functionality:

Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control
Three-point seatbelt
Airbags
Other safety features

While driving in the winter

Tip 1: Drive slowly.

Road conditions during the winter are unpredictable and hazardous. Constantly adjust your speed for lower traction when driving on snow or ice. In case you need to change your speed, do the following to avoid accidents:

Determine when to slow down or speed up.
Gradually apply gas to regain or decrease traction and avoid skids.
Do not press the gas or brake pedals abruptly. This will cause accidents, especially when traveling on icy roads.

Tip 2: Maintain distances from vehicles around you.

Most drivers follow the three-second rule when maintaining distance from other vehicles. When following this rule, you must:

Check and pick an overhead road sign or marker.
Note when the car in front of you passes the marker.
Count how many seconds it takes for you to reach the same spot. Following this counting: 1-1,000; 2-1,000; 3-1,000.
When driving in winter, keep at least a two- to four-second distance from the car ahead of you.

Tip 3: Do not power up or stop when driving on hills.

It is dangerous when you apply extra gas on a snow-covered road. When you do this, it will trigger your wheels to spin. It is also suggested that you gain inertia on a flat surface before going over the hills to refrain from stopping while traversing a slope.

Tip 4: Avoid Unpleasant Driving Behaviors

There are basic driving rules that you should adhere to when driving, such as:

Do not text while driving.
Do not drive when under the influence or intoxication.
Obey speed limits.
Follow traffic signs and signals.

How Often Do Car Accidents Happen During the Winter?

Despite the basic driving protocols and winter-related safety measures, snow driving accidents are still accounted for yearly. Statistics show that annually, there are:

24% of weather-related car accidents happen on snowy pavement,
15% occur during snowfall or sleet,
1,300 deaths from snow driving accidents, and
116,800 injured victims in winter-related accidents.

With the significant figures of snow driving accidents, it is essential to take note of the emergency procedures if you are involved in a car crash.

What Do I Do When I Get Into A Snow Driving Accident?

When you get into a snow driving accident, it is suggested that you follow these protocols to resolve the incident correctly:

Check if you or any other victim have sustained injuries from the crash.
Call 911 immediately.
If you can, move your vehicle to a safe location nearby.
Stay within the area and try to be visible using hazard lights, reflective jackets, or other light-bearing materials.
Document possible evidence at the scene of the accident.
File an initial accident report with law enforcement.
Reach out to a car accident insurance lawyer if necessary.

Do I Need A Lawyer For A Snow Driving Accident?

Car accidents, particularly during harsh weather conditions, might need extra work to prove the case. The vehicle collision might be caused by other factors such as the roadway condition, other drivers’ behavior, or unclear road signs and signals. All these elements are considered and examined by legal experts.

Conclusion

Unfavorable weather can significantly increase the risk of auto accidents by making driving conditions dangerous. Road surfaces can become slick and visibility reduced by elements like rain, snow, ice, fog, or storms, making it difficult for drivers to keep control of their cars.

Despite the safety techniques, snow driving accidents can still be unavoidable. Unfortunately, the combination of human error and adverse weather conditions can result in catastrophic injuries and other damages in a collision. In such an instance, you can file a car accident claim to receive compensation for the damages.

Since snow-driving accidents may be challenging to prove, especially if multiple parties are involved, you should contact the top car accident lawyer in your area who can protect your rights. They can help you file a car accident claim and prove liability to help you receive compensation for your damages.

How to Avoid Snow Driving Accidents