Tips for Driving Safe in Snowy Weather

Driving in the winter can be downright terrifying – especially if you don’t know the right techniques and tricks of the trade. Here at the Shapiro Law Group, we want you and your family to be safe and secure this winter season. Here are some helpful tips for driving safe in snowy weather.

Tips for Driving Safe in Snowy Weather

Tires

According to car-buying site Edmunds, having the right tires is one of the most critical things when it comes to driving safely in snowy weather. In order for a tire to perform effectively in dangerous winter conditions, it needs to have a tire tread that is at least 6/32-inches deep. This is backed up not only by research from Tire Rack but also by the combined real-world experiences of northern nations and their governments.

When choosing winter tires, make sure to look out for the symbol of a snowflake on a mountain along the sidewall, as this is the tire-industry standard for traction in snowy conditions. If you cannot get winter tires, consider chains, which can be applied to your standard tires and offer a great deal of traction in wintery driving conditions.

Slow and Steady

You know that old story about the tortoise and the hare? Well, when it comes to driving in the winter time, it is definitely the tortoise who wins the race. When it comes to driving in the snow, or on icy roads, any type of maneuvering takes longer than it would on a dry surface. According to Debbie Hersman, president, and CEO of the National Safety Council, “drivers frequently underestimate how long it can take to brake. You want to increase that time in order to stay in control. Don’t use cruise control, and if you’re sliding, definitely slow down.”

To stay safe while driving in snowy weather, make sure you accelerate, then stop and turn slowly to ensure you maintain traction and grip during maneuvering. It’s especially important to remember that bridges and overpasses often freeze well before roads do, so take extra precautions when driving over them.

Know Your Braking to Avoid Breaking

As mentioned above, maneuvering in snowy weather takes much longer than when driving on dry surfaces. This is doubly true when it comes to braking. Modern breaks do not require pumping in order to avoid traction issues. Thanks to anti-lock braking systems, drivers can simply press their foot down firmly on the brakes and the car will stop. In icy and snowy conditions, however, brakes take longer to bring a vehicle to a complete stop – roughly two times longer according to the American Automobile Association.

If You are Injured This Winter, Contact an Experienced Defense Attorney 

If you are involved in an accident this winter and suffer injuries, you need an advocate in your corner who will look out for your rights while you focus on your recovery. The experienced attorneys at Shapiro Law Group give your case personal attention to ensure all aspects of your situation are considered. We treat every case as unique, from working tirelessly to gather evidence and securing witness testimonies, to investigating the scene and working day and night to secure your rights. This means we don’t just take a one-size-fits-all approach; if a settlement is a right approach, we’ll work for that settlement. And, if we need to move to litigation to secure a just outcome, we’ll go that route as well.

While navigating the aftermath of an accident can be tough, remember you don’t have to go it alone. With an experienced and passionate attorney on your side, you ensure you are represented and have a clear path to a resolution. Contact Shapiro Law at 339-298-2300 to set up your initial consultation today.