Once upon a time winter was fun.  The cold fresh air, sledding on a nicely packed hill.  Laughing and enjoying hot chocolate while the fluffy flakes fly.  Then…you are old enough to try to enjoy it in your car!  A different story all together.  Winter car accidents can spin your fairy tale into a frozen winter nightmare.

Avoid winter car accidents with these simple keys!

Prepare your vehicle to keep it safe.  Simple steps can keep you out of harms way.  Here is a couple easy rules to keep you on the road.

  1. Make sure you have at least half a tank of gas in your car so the lines don’t freeze up.
  2. Make sure you have antifreeze type washer fluid in the tank.
  3. Are your tires inflated to the correct pressure? Make sure they are!
  4. Install winter wiper blades for clearest view.
  5. Always use your seatbelt.

Please take heed, there is no need for speed on slippery streets!

  1. Keep your cool in the cold.
  2. Make smooth movements to control your car.
  3. Leave yourself plenty of room between your auto and the car ahead.
  4. Ease on the brakes.
  5. Turn your wheel slowly. Quick movements may lead to over correcting your car into a crash.

Stuck in the Snow?

  1. Again, use smooth light movements to ease your way out.
  2. Try turning your wheels side to side
  3. Do not dig yourself in deeper by spinning your tires
  4. If your car can handle it, try rocking it back and forth by placing the car in reverse then forward.
  5. Place something gritty under the tires for traction (such as sand or salt)

How to recover from a skid

If you have slid into a skid, how you get out of it depends on the type of brakes are on your car.  If you have antilock brakes, apply firm pressure to the brake pedal.  The antilock action should kick in to slow you without locking the tires causing further skidding.  If you do not have antilock brakes, gently pump your brakes.  If you begin to spin, turn your steering wheel into the spin to try to regain control of your vehicle.

Let us sum things up

  1. Prepare your car for winter weather to avoid winter car accidents.
  2. Keep your actions smooth and deliberate.  Don’t jerk the wheel or slam on the brakes or gas.
  3. If possible, gently rock yourself out of a snow bank.
  4. Apply firm brake pressure for antilock brakes, and gently pump for cars without antilock brakes.

Learn more here

Still have questions?  Contact the experienced Lafayette accident attorneys at Hall-Justice Law Firm. It is our job to help you navigate the system to help you get your maximum outcome. If you have been involve in a winter car accident, Get Justice. Call 765-742-2987