Winter is coming, and with it comes the increased risk of an auto accident if drivers aren’t careful while on the road. From heavy snowstorms to black ice, there are various hazards that pose significant dangers to a driver during the winter season, so it’s important to develop safe driving habits to keep you and others on the road safe and save you a call to your car accident attorney.
However, safe driving is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to staying safe on the road this winter; another major step that drivers need to consider is preparing their car for the harsh winter conditions. Here are some steps to take to ensure that your car is ready for winter.
Prepare a Winter Supply Box
Accidents happen, and cars break down during the most inconvenient of times, so it’s important to prepare yourself. A winter supply box is the best way to make sure that you’re ready in case of an emergency situation. Here are some of the things that you should have in your emergency winter supply box at all times: a flashlight, road flares, blankets, a first aid kit, extra clothes, a radio, sandbags, an ice scraper, high-energy snacks, and gloves.
These items are crucial if you find yourself breaking down on the side of the road during a heavy winter storm, so it’s best not to overlook anything on this list.
Check Your Tires
Snow tires are a necessity during the winter, and if you’re looking to get anywhere safely, you’ll want to make sure that you get snow tires as soon as possible. Not only is it dangerous to drive without snow tires, but it’s dangerous to drive with tires that have little to no tread. A car accident attorney is going to be your next stop if you fail to pay attention to your tires condition, and accidents such as spin-outs and rear-ending are commonly associated with improper tire maintenance during the winter.
Have Your Battery Tested
A dead battery is one of the most inconvenient occurrences, and it can be even more frustrating during the winter. The cold weather is harder on your vehicles as it is, and a weakened battery can become completely drained of all power, leading to a situation where you may find yourself stranded on the side of the road.
Many local auto shops do free battery tests, so it doesn’t hurt to take your vehicle in and see if you’re in need of a new battery.
Have Your Brake Lights and Head Lights Inspected
Brake lights alert other drivers when you’re breaking and they’re crucial in preventing rear-end collisions. While these accidents are hard to prevent, they get even more impossible during the winter when you have to worry about ice and snow. Often times, you won’t get enough time to stop if you’re following another driver too closely, and you’ll have to call your car accident attorney to assess the scene.
When it comes to headlights, a car accident attorney may see cases where a driver didn’t see another vehicle coming at an intersection due to faulty headlights, which can ultimately lead to a T-bone accident. Headlights are crucial in making sure that other drivers can see you in situations where vision is limited, so make sure that yours are functioning.
Preparing your car for the winter season is the best way to avoid an accident. If you’ve been involved in a car accident this winter due to someone else’s negligence, contact a car accident attorney at Robert J. DeBry and Associates for a free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/5-ways-to-prepare-your-car-for-winter/70000108
https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2015/11/03/5-steps-to-prepare-your-car-for-winter
