As winter approaches, temperatures drop and drivers have to deal with snow and ice on the roads. These conditions increase your risk of a dangerous car accident that could cause serious injury.

This is why it is important to learn more about the dangers of winter driving so you know how to stay safe and reduce your risk of a crash. Our Silver Spring car accident attorneys have compiled the tips below to help improve safety during winter driving season.

If you have been injured in a car accident, contact us for a free, no obligation consultation and learn what legal options may be available for recovering compensation.

Icy Roadways

Wet roads combined with surface temperatures below freezing lead to icy roadways. Even if it feels warm outside, ice can still exist on the road as ground temperatures rise more slowly than air temperatures.

Black ice is another danger during the winter. This is a thin layer of ice on the road that does not look like ice – instead, black ice just makes the road appear to be wet. Often forming at night, drivers may not notice black ice until they have hit it and lost control of the vehicle.

Ice on roadways prevent your tires from getting good traction. Without a good grip on the roadway, steering and stopping is a challenge.

Lower Temperatures

Lower temperatures cause changes in air pressure, affecting your vehicle’s tires. Tires that are properly inflated in warmer weather will hold less pressure when temperatures drop. When tires are underinflated, they lose their ability to properly grip the road, decreasing performance and safety.

If your tires are not inflated properly, it is much easier to slide on icy surfaces and lose control of your vehicle. Driving on underinflated tires can also damage the vehicle’s tires.

Preparing Your Car

These winterizing steps will keep your vehicle safer this season and help prevent wintertime car accidents:

  • Prepare your vehicle for colder temperatures by adding antifreeze and deicer, changing lamp bulbs, replacing dull windshield wipers and testing your battery as well as other critical systems.
  • Keep tires properly inflated and check them daily during temperature dips.
  • Keep your gas tank full to prevent the vehicle’s gas line from freezing.
  • Make sure your vehicle’s exhaust pipe is clear of snow or other debris. If the exhaust pipe is blocked, deadly carbon monoxide can enter the cabin when the engine is on.
  • Pack your vehicle with emergency supplies in case of an accident or breakdown that leaves you stranded. Your emergency kit should include blankets and other gear to keep you and your passengers warm.
  • Keep your cell phone in your car in case of an accident. You want it nearby to call for help if needed, but do not use it while driving as cell phone use causes distracted driving.
  • Plan extra time to arrive at your destination. Road and weather conditions during the winter can require slower travel for safety.
  • Exercise caution when traveling along hazardous sections of roads such as overpasses and bridges, as ice forms in these locations before other areas.
  • Keep your mirrors, windshield, and windows clear at all times. Clear them before setting off and keep an ice scraper or brush in your vehicle.

Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys for Help

If you have been injured in a car accident, our Silver Spring car accident lawyers are available to help you access the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Request a free, no obligation consultation today and our experienced car accident attorneys will review your case and inform you of the legal option available in your case.