On behalf of Smiley & Smiley, LLP posted in Car Accidents on Thursday, November 13, 2014.
‘Tis the season for holiday travel. Even if you live in the heart of New York City and you do not own a car, chances are that you will find yourself driving one or riding in one at some time in the next few months as you travel to parties, holiday events and winter-related activities. It is therefore important that you understand how to prevent auto accidents that are either caused by or made worse by winter weather conditions. Even if you are not driving, you can offer your driver valuable tips that just might save your lives.
In general, it is best to avoid driving if conditions are uniquely hazardous. Weather reports should be able to tell you whether or not conditions are safe for driving. If there is a significant risk that you will encounter heavy snow or black ice while driving, please avoid getting in motor vehicles if at all possible.
If you must travel by motor vehicle in dangerous conditions, make sure that you are driving in a vehicle that is well-maintained. A staggering number of auto accidents occur only after their tires have been compromised. If a vehicle is well-maintained, it is simply a safer source of travel.
When traveling in dangerous conditions, do not rush. Speed is not your friend when you are at risk of hitting icy patches of road. Similarly, the motor vehicles around you are at risk. Therefore, you need to put a safe distance between you and other vehicles while you are navigating dangerous roads. If you need to brake for another vehicle, do so gently in order to avoid skidding out.
Source: Weather.com, “Driving in snow and ice,” Accessed Nov. 11, 2014
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