Indiana Injury And Family Lawyer BlogTips to Reduce Risks of Winter Weather-Related Car Accidents in Indiana
Indiana drivers are still coping with the dangers of winter weather conditions on our roadways. To help to reduce the risks of a weather-related car accident in Indianapolis or elsewhere throughout the state, there are a few safe driving tips you should keep in mind on every car ride.Our Indiana car accident attorneys and the Indiana State Police are offering Hoosiers and visitors a few winter driving safety tips to help to keep drivers safe. First, we ask all motorists to prepare themselves for the dangerous conditions. Before you head out, check the weather and traffic conditions. If you have a passenger riding along with you, make sure they know where you’re headed so they can help you with driving directions. This way you can keep all of your attention on the roadways and avoid the distractions of a map or a GPS.
Before you head out, also make sure your gas tank is full. You don’t want to get stranded in the biting cold because you failed to put gas in your car. You’re also urged to keep a winter driving kit with you at all times. This kit should include a flashlight, some extra batteries, blankets to keep you warm in case you break down, a brightly colored cloth to tie to your antenna to signal help, sand (or cat litter), a candle, some matches, a shovel, non-perishable foods that have a high calorie count, a cell phone, jumper cables and a first-aid kit.
Adjust your driving to the current road conditions:
-When there are poor weather conditions, give yourself extra time to get there by leaving earlier.
-Be sure to clear all your vehicle’s windows of ice and snow. Remove snow and ice from the hood, the headlights, the roof and the taillights as well.
-Be cautious when traveling near bridges, shaded areas, underpasses and intersections. In these areas ice forms more quickly and takes more time to melt.
-Slow it down. Traveling at a slower speed will help you to increase traction between your tires and the roadways.
-Avoid using your cruise control on slick or icy roadways.
-Try not to start or stop abruptly. Slow down and accelerate at a slow speed. Keep your wheels turning to stop you from losing traction.
-To reduce the glare of your headlights on the ice, use your low-beam headlights.
If you get stranded, there is a whole new list of things you should do. Listen up! If you’re car breaks down in the middle of winter conditions, your best bet is to stay with your car. It is the best protection you have after all. This is where that brightly-colored cloth comes in. Tie it to the antenna of your vehicle to signal to passing motorists that you need help. It may be cold outside, but you want to keep your window cracked to get some fresh air. Keep an eye on your exhaust pipe. If you allow it to get blocked, you run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep your exhaust pipe clear of snow and ice. Avoid panicking. Remember that an idling car uses about a gallon of gas every hour. If you kept your gas tank filled, you should have no problem.
If you or someone who is close to you has been injured or killed in a car accident in Indiana, call Burton Padove for a free consultation to learn about how to ensure receipt for financial compensation for injuries you or your loved ones have sustained at 219-836-2200.
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