A car accident can happen at any time of the year in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, or anywhere in Indiana. But winter weather can increase the risk of a crash. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain can limit visibility and create dangerous driving conditions. An accident can happen in seconds and leave people with serious injuries.
Fortunately, there are several simple winter weather driving tips everyone can follow to help them stay safe out on the road.
Slow down.
This one may seem obvious, but some drivers are in a rush and fail to adjust their speed for the road conditions. That makes it more difficult to control a vehicle on a road covered in snow or ice. And it can take longer to bring that vehicle to a complete stop. Stay at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you – especially if it’s a snowplow. Plows tend to drive slow and may stop suddenly or make wide turns.
Be ready for an emergency.
Hopefully, your vehicle won’t get stuck in the snow. But you should be ready if it does happen. Call for help and stay where you are. Keep bright markers to put on the antenna or windows for visibility. Don’t keep your car running for extended periods of time – just long enough to stay warm. Keep your vehicle stocked with things you might need if you break down. Examples include a snowbrush, shovel, sand or kitty litter, a flashlight, blankets, non-perishable food items, and water.
Make sure your vehicle is ready for the winter.
It’s a good idea to have a mechanic check the battery, charging system, and other parts of the vehicle. Make sure that your cooling system, wipers, and lights all work properly. Check the tires regularly. The cold can reduce tire pressure, and it’s also a good idea to inspect tires for any damage. Replace them when recommended. It’s also a good idea to make sure your floor mats are secured and can’t interfere with the accelerator or brake pedals.
Plan ahead.
Check the weather and traffic reports before heading out. If conditions are too bad, stay home if possible. If there are delays on some roads, consider an alternate route. Before any wintry weather, know how your vehicle’s safety technologies work – such as anti-lock brakes. Dress very young children in layers. Heavy coats can cause problems with the harness fit on car seats. Place blankets or coats over your child after the harness is snug.
Talk to a car accident lawyer if you've been injured.
Whether you're driving in a snowstorm or on a clear and sunny day, it only takes one reckless driver to cause a crash that leaves you severely injured, in pain, and searching for answers. Medical expenses can add up quickly, and you may not be able to work. You deserve to be made whole again, but recovering financial compensation for your losses can be a long and complicated process when you have to deal with insurance companies and insurance adjusters.
That’s why you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side to aggressively advocate for your best interests. The attorneys at Glaser & Ebbs know the impact that injuries from a crash can have on victims and their loved ones. We’re focused on building strong cases that help our clients recover the compensation they need and deserve.
Learn more about how we can help you. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. We have six offices located throughout Indiana, including Fort Wayne and Indianapolis.