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Three Ways To Prevent A Connecticut Auto Accident During The Winter

Driving during the winter months can be particularly treacherous.  Snow, sleet, ice, and rain can all have a dramatic impact on your ability to maintain control of your car and avoid a Connecticut auto accident.  All is not lost though, as there are some very good things you can do to prevent an accident altogether.

Before you even think about heading out on the road in bad weather conditions you should ask yourself if it is even necessary for you to travel in the first place.  If the conditions are bad you should avoid being on the road at all. If you must drive keep in mind these three simple things you can do as preventative measures.

  1. Clear all your windows and your roof: Clearing your car of snow and ice is not only the law, it is the safe thing to do.  If you have any impairment to your vision while your driving this could have an adverse affect on your ability to drive safely.   Before you hit the road make sure to clear your windshield (both front and back) all windows on both the passenger and driver side, and the roof of your car.  

  2. Test your brakes: When you first get on the road drive cautiously and test your brakes as you go.  Not all snow and ice are created equally so testing your brakes will allow you to get a feel for how easy or difficult it might be to get your car to come to a stop in that particular storm.  

  3. Stay in the right lane: It may be tempting to jump on the highway and go, especially since you’re likely to be on the road with far less drivers than usual.  This is not the safe move to make. Even if the road just looks wet, there may be black ice lurking underneath the wetness and traveling fast can cause your car to skid out and not stop easily when you apply the brakes.  

While taking these steps are not always going to prevent you from getting in a Connecticut auto accident, they are certainly going to help.  The word of the winter is caution, if you don’t have to go somewhere, stay home. If you absolutely must go out in winter weather, take precautionary steps that will help you avoid a tragic accident.