As winter arrives, road conditions worsen and so do drivers’ abilities to navigate the roads safely. About 119,000 crashes occurred in 2020 due to winter conditions. Accidents on snow and ice do not have to be inevitable. There are ways that you can help prevent accidents.
Make sure that you pay close attention to your surroundings, other vehicles, your passengers and yourself.
Prepare your vehicle for snow
Before you drive in the snow, check your tires. You should check your tires at least once a month and before every long trip. Keep your tires inflated and free from any cuts or bulges.
Likewise, check your lights, cooling system and windshield wipers regularly. You do not want to risk breaking down or losing vital systems to your car’s function when in the snow. Pack an emergency kit in case you do find trouble on the road.
Plan your trips beforehand
You should make a plan before you leave the house. Check the local weather before you go. Winter weather can change quickly and you do not want to become stranded in a snowstorm. If you worry about winter weather approaching, you may want to leave earlier or change your departure entirely to avoid the weather.
Make sure you are familiar with the roads beforehand. Check over maps before you leave and let others know when and when you will arrive. Familiarize yourself with the traffic of the area too. If the area sees heavy traffic, be prepared for drivers who may not drive safely in those conditions.
