My good friend and great lawyer, Steven Gursten, at Michigan Auto Law was kind enough to share his top tips for safe winter driving.
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8 winter driving tips to prevent car accidents
Winter is here yet again, which always means more auto accidents. A lot of these car and truck crashes are caused by drivers who are unprepared for snow, sleet and ice.
As a Michigan car accident lawyer, I often get asked for driving tips and what exactly to do in case of a skid on ice. Below I’m sharing eight easy tips that can get you home safe after an unexpected snow storm or a dramatic temperature drop.
1. Slow down when visibility is low and road conditions are bad.
2. Do not misjudge slipperiness of the roads. Don’t assume roads aren’t slick if it’s not freezing or below. Ice can actually form on roads when the temperature drops to 40 degrees, especially when there’s a lot of wind.
3. Anticipate black ice. Beware of intersections, bridges, underpasses, low or shaded areas. Ice can easily form in these areas and it’s usually difficult to see it coming.
4. If you find yourself skidding and losing control… Don’t let fear take over if you are skidding. Skids can be controlled if you’re prepared. Here’s what to do:
Rear wheel skidding:
• Steer in the direction would want the front wheels to go. For example, if your rear-wheels are sliding left, steer left. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle under control.
• If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), which most cars are equipped with, apply steady pressure. The brakes will pulse.
• Pump gently if you have standard brakes.
Front wheel skidding:
• Shift to neutral.
• As the wheels skid, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. Steer in the direction you want your car to go.
• Once the car is under control, put it in drive and slowly accelerate.
5. Increase the following distance between vehicles by at least two cars.
6. If you’ve been in a minor car accident or your vehicle stalls, pull over and stay in your car while you wait for help to show up. Don’t get out, as you run the risk being hit by another car or truck.
7. Have an emergency kit in your vehicle. This can include a first-aid kit, a flashlight, shovel, blankets, jumper cables, flares, nutritious snacks, bottled water, matches and candles.
8. Make sure your car is prepared for winter driving. This includes making sure your have enough antifreeze and washer fluid, installing new wiper blades and checking your tires and oil.
The car accident lawyers at Michigan Auto Law wish you happy holidays and safe travels.
Per usual, the basic rules of safe driving apply in the winter: buckle up, don’t drink and drive, no texting while driving, and make sure your child is properly secured in a car seat.
- Steve Gursten is one of the nation’s top car accident lawyers. He is head of Michigan Auto Law and president of the Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers Association. Steve has received the highest verdict in Michigan for a car accident or truck accident victim in 2008, 2009 and 2010, according to Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
Related posts:
- Winter Safety Tips: Safe Sledding
- Distracted Walking Can Be as Deadly Distracted Driving
- “Mini-Levinson Book Club”: Long Winter Post
- Preventing Winter Sports Injuries
- Keeping Kids Warm in Winter Weather
