Perhaps the most peaceful season of the year is winter. It is the best time to visit your family in Michigan. Indeed, it is a wonderful time to enjoy the holidays. However, the silent and foreboding winter hides very critical road hazards. These wintry dangers will not only pose challenges while you are driving. Road hazards also increase your risk of car collisions and damage. Worse, you might end up facing serious physical injuries and property damages.
5 Tips to Drive Safely During Winter Along Michigan Roads
No matter how challenging are these cold season hazards are, there are ways to prevent them. That way, we can avoid all the horrible consequences on a winter road. Luckily, expert Michigan auto accident attorneys know the best way for you to stay safe while driving. Here are five tips from the car accident lawyers on advanced winter driving.
- Check your vehicle in preparation for winter driving.
Guaranteed safety is always rooted in wise preparation. Before going on your winter trip, always check first if your vehicle is fit for the slippery road. Make sure that your tires are properly inflated. This will ensure that your car will have a better grip on the road.
Your wiper blades must be working efficiently to wipe out the falling snow. Also, check if your car batteries are still in good condition. Moreover, check if all your meters are functioning and all your fluid levels are maintained.
- Have an emergency kit ready in your car.
Preparations should not only be focused on your vehicle. You should also prepare for all the things you might need in a snowy weather condition. For example, an extra pair of winter coats and blankets will help you stay warm while driving. It’s a good idea to include other winter accessories, such as thick hats, earmuffs, gloves, socks, and boots. These will help you a lot if ever you get stranded on the snowy roadsides.
Speaking of emergencies, do not forget to bring non-perishable food that you can munch on just in case. A shovel might also help you get rid of a few heaps of snow blocking your path. Other emergency kit items, such as flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, and radio are likewise beneficial.
- Stay updated on the current weather conditions.
Once you get yourself ready, you are a step closer to driving a lot safer in the winter. But before you start your engine, you must first stay up-to-date with the current weather condition. This will help you have an idea of how difficult it is to travel at this hour.
You will be safer if you drive in sunny or clear weather. In snows and snowstorms, however, you might have to consider your chances. Aside from weather conditions, you should also be aware of road safety precautions that may happen near you.
- Drive cautiously on the road.
Most drivers of wrecked cars blame their collisions on their speed more than the slippery roads. While speed greatly influences car crash, it is the road condition itself that increases the risk of collision. As such, all drivers must not only drive slowly but more cautiously. Keeping up a distance also helps you avoid impending collisions with other cars on the road.
In an interview, Sgt. John Looney gave the best advice for Michigan drivers when driving in winter. He stated that if you find yourself in a skid, the best reaction is to stay calm. You should neither accelerate nor hit the brakes. Rather, you have to look ahead and steer in the direction you are heading.
- When in doubt, pull over or stay at home.
Why risk traveling on dangerous roads if the weather does not permit it? It may be better to pull over at the side of the road instead of venturing forward. More importantly, you may stay at home than brave the treacherous path. If your trip is extremely necessary, then use your best judgment and take the risk of traveling dangerously. However, keep in mind all these advanced driving tips to stay safer on the road.
Advanced Winter Driving Tips from the Expert Auto Accident Attorneys in Michigan
Remember that all drivers need to be prepared, alert, and cautious while on the road. And in the wintertime, safety measures must be kicked up a notch to prevent untoward accidents. But should these winter road collisions and accidents happen, you can rely on Lansing’s best auto accident attorneys. We at The Clark Law Office are at your service! Contact us at 517-347-6900 for a free legal consultation.
- What Happens When You Reject an Insurance Settlement Offer? - September 18, 2024
- Understanding The Impact: What Happens If The Cerebellum Is Damaged? - September 9, 2024
- What is the Speed Limit on Unmarked Roads in Michigan? - September 5, 2024