4 Tips for Driving on Icy Roads to Help Prevent Accidents
Winter is now upon us, so it’s time to get prepared for inclement weather and the possibility of driving on icy roads. Sadly, as attorneys who specialize in car accidents, we’ve seen cold weather conditions lead to many wrecks. Drivers in our warm-weathered state simply aren’t accustomed to slick icy roadways, and it can be easy to get off track, slip, slide and endanger yourself and others while behind the wheel.
Driving on Icy Roads
That’s why, as weather conditions change, it’s important to know how to adapt your driving habits accordingly. To help you drive safely this winter and possibly avoid a dangerous wreck, follow these four tips when driving on icy roads:
Tips for Driving on Icy Roads
1.Drive slowly. You can’t travel on ice at the same speed as a dry roadway, and stopping is a much more labored and slow process. When driving on icy roads, always reduce your speed significantly, and make sure you allot plenty of time to get from point A to point B.
2.Make sure the windows are clear, deiced, and defogged. Never drive with partially iced-over or foggy windows. You need the most visibility possible to drive safely and to prepare properly for oncoming hazards.
3.Don’t tailgate. Stopping on ice requires a lot of time and distance. You can’t just stop on a dime like you can in warmer weather. To avoid rear-ending someone (or being rear ended yourself), leave at least 10 seconds of space between the cars in front of you and behind you.
4.Avoid bridges and overpasses. When at all possible, avoid bridges and overpasses during icy weather. Because these don’t have the warmth of the ground underneath them, they tend to be much icier and more dangerous than other areas of the road. You could even find yourself sliding backward on a particularly steep slope.
In addition, if you’re uncertain about driving during inclement weather, you can always use public transportation or contact a loved one for a ride. In the event you find yourself in an accident, be sure to contact The Law Offices of Pat Maloney. San Antonio residents have relied on our expertise for decades, and we can help you, too.
Pat Maloney, Jr. is a skilled San Antonio personal injury lawyer who has acted as lead counsel and co-counsel in many multi-million dollar verdicts throughout Texas. Pat Maloney represents people injured in car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and more. He is well known for his expertise in representing victims of serious personal injuries and has participated as a lecturer in the field of personal injury litigation. He has been named as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” Reference Book every year for the last five years.