Even for the most experienced drivers, driving on ice and snow-covered roads can be challenging and sometimes very dangerous. There are on average 156,164 car accidents each year in the US due to icy road conditions, with as many as 136,309 injuries and 1,836 deaths due to slushy, snowy, or icy roads. While it’s impossible to prevent every accident, good winter preparation and effective defensive driving skills can help reduce your chances of being involved in a collision.
Know What To Do If You Have A Car Accident
Knowing what to do after a car accident and how to get a police report for insurance will help ensure everyone is safe and enable you to main a claim if you need to. First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911 if you or someone else is injured. Turn off your engine and put on your hazards. If you can, get to a safe place on the roadside away from the car. Exchange your details with the other driver if necessary and then call the police. They will either come to the scene or ask you to report to the nearest police station to complete a report. When you claim from your insurer, you may have to provide a copy of the police report to help your claim.
Prepare Your Car
Well before the snow starts to fall, you should prepare your car for the winter season. It’s a good idea to check the condition of your tires and ensure they have enough pressure and ample tread to handle snow and ice. You may want to consider switching to winter tires to give your car better traction, handling, and braking. It’s also wise to keep your tank at least half full of gas to avoid running out at the worst time. Stock up on emergency supplies such as an emergency kit, ice scraper, and tire chains, and make sure you know how to use them.
Slow Down and Keep A Safe Distance
Driving more carefully is crucial to staying safe on winter roads. When there is a lot of ice and snow on the road, driving at a reduced speed helps your tires improve their traction and control on the road. Give yourself plenty of time to brake, ideally up to 10 times the normal distance you would leave between your car and the one in front. You should also brake gradually to avoid your car sliding across the road. If your car does start to slide or skid, take your foot off the gas and turn the wheel slowly in the direction the car needs to go. As the car is spinning, try to regain a neutral steering position to give you more control.
Snow and ice on the roads, combined with darker days make car accidents an unfortunate side effect of winter. However, getting your car winter-ready, adjusting your driving to the hazardous conditions, and knowing what to do if you are in an accident can help take the stress, worry and risk out of being on the road this winter.
