When roads get snowy and icy you might find yourself in a situation where you will need to take some steps to keep yourself from avoiding a Connecticut auto accident due to the road conditions.
This year we have been lucky to not have a significant amount of snowfall or even icy conditions on the roads – YET – but there is still plenty of time for a late winter snow storm that could leave you longing for an understanding of how to drive in these types of conditions so you can remain safe. It is a learned skill to be able to drive in snow and ice and do it safely. Driving safely in snow and ice takes practice and an understanding of the best way to keep your vehicle from getting out of control due to the conditions that you are facing.
Before you head out to drive in the snow or ice you will want to check the weather conditions. If severe weather is upon you, or is anticipated, you may decide that you don’t want to trek out at all. Staying where you are during a storm may be the safest thing you can do to avoid an accident. If you absolutely must travel you should take the following steps to keep yourself, and the other drivers on the road, safe at all times.
-
Accelerate at a slower rate than you normally would. If you are accelerating at a normal rate you may hit a slippery patch of road and your tires may begin to spin out resulting in a loss of control.
-
Keep your speed lower than normal. When traveling in the snow or ice doing so at a speed that is below the speed limit is one of the best things you can do. If you travel at the posted speed limit you may be putting yourself at greater risk of getting into an accident.
-
Give yourself and the cars around you space. You will want to take care in giving extra space to the car you are behind so that if they must slow down or even come to a complete stop due to the hazards in front of them they can do so safely and without concern that you will slide into them from behind.
-
Slow down at curves in the road. In fact, you should begin slowing down before you turn your steering wheel into the curve. The slower you are going around a slippery curve the safer you will likely be. If you can avoid braking on a curve, do so.
-
Do not panic. It can be scary and intimidating to come into contact with a slippery spot on the road and feel like you are losing control of your vehicle, but panicking will only make a bad situation worse, so keep calm and remember the right way to handle your vehicle in these road conditions.
Spending time learning and understanding how to handle your vehicle in slippery conditions will protect you from getting into a Connecticut auto accident but it won’t completely eliminate the possibility of an accident or injury. It is important for you to take these tips into account when you are driving in these types of conditions, but it is also important to remember that if you can avoid driving in these conditions that is your safest bet of all.
No matter what conditions you are traveling in, if you get injured in an accident you may need to speak with an attorney. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will speak with you about your particular situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.
