As temperatures drop, driving and collision risks increase substantially. The winter months see inclement weather that may include sleet, freezing rain and snow. Freezing precipitation is just one of many factors that can lead to increased traffic risk during the coldest part of the year.
Sometimes staying off of the roads in inclement weather just isn’t an option. The following are some of the most effective winter driving safety tips for motorists to adopt as the weather cools.
Adjust daily schedules
Particularly for those who work first-shift jobs or take their children to school, the morning drive can be a major safety concern. Although local news stations do their best to offer accurate insight into the weather the next morning, people sometimes wake up to surprisingly snowy or icy streets. The only way to safely drive on winter roads is to slow down and increase the following distance. Both of those choices can increase how long it takes to reach a destination. People may have to wake up a little earlier during the winter so that they can leave earlier, if necessary, based on road conditions. Leave plenty of time for your morning commute, or the morning school run to account for icy, and snow-covered roadways and highways.
Update maintenance practices
There are several changes to a vehicle that can improve its functionality during the winter months. For example, many drivers have snow tires that they put on for the winter season to ensure optimal vehicle performance. Whatever the preference for tire type, it always pays to have your tires checked in advance of the winter driving season. Drivers may also replace or upgrade blades on their windshield wipers to more effectively handle sleet and snow. Tire pressure is another important consideration. Cold air temperatures and street surfaces can reduce tire pressure, making it necessary to inflate vehicle tires slightly more than usual in the winter months.
Plan safer routes
In general, the most direct route is usually the safest. Crash risk increases based on the number of miles traveled. However, often the most direct roads often have higher levels of traffic and higher speed limits. Drivers may need to plan alternate routes to their standard destinations during the winter months to reduce their risk of a preventable collision.
Carry the right gear
Having safety gear inside a vehicle can make a major difference for those involved in crashes during the winter. From blankets and spare boots to flares so that approaching vehicles can see them through the snowstorm, a crash kit carried in the trunk of a vehicle can’t help people stay safe and comfortable until emergency responders arrive after a crash. A small shovel to dig out of a parking space can be extremely useful. It may even be helpful to have non-perishable snacks on board, especially for kids.
Knowing how to respond if a crash does occur is as valuable as being proactive about limiting car crash risk. Those with a plan for safety have the best chances of avoiding a wreck and avoiding injury.
