Tips for Safe Driving in Winter

Winter is almost here, and that means snow and ice in Kentucky and Indiana. Winter conditions can make the roads hazardous, so be sure to drive extra safely to avoid car accidents. We’ve compiled these 5 tips to help you stay safe while traveling or commuting by car, but we know that even if you drive as safely as humanly possible, other people on the roads might be careless or negligent.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident this winter, don’t hesitate to call the Law Offices of Karl Truman at 502-222-2222 for a free consultation. We are here to help you get the compensation you need to get back on your feet after a car crash injury.

1. Slow Down

If roads are icy or snowy, your car needs more time to stop. The lack of friction on the road means that your tires can’t grip as well, so braking takes longer. Keep this in mind and be aware of the cars around you and how fast you can safely go. Keep more distance in between you and the car in front of you, in case they stop suddenly.

Although there is a duty on you as a driver to exercise sufficient care and keep control of your car even on icy roads, in some cases the city may be at fault for not keeping roads safe enough. Call Karl Truman to see if you may be entitled to compensation after a car accident due to icy roads.

2. Outfit Your Car for Winter

If you know you’ll be driving in heavy snow, winter tires with better tread can help you maintain more control over your car. In addition, you can switch out your windshield fluid for a winter-friendly formula to ensure clear vision out your windshield. Keep an eye on your tire pressure, as cold weather can cause tires to deflate, and make sure your gas tank is always sufficiently full in case of emergencies.

3. Don’t Drive in Bad Conditions

If there’s a heavy snowstorm or roads are excessively icy (for example, before road crews have gotten around to salting them), try not to drive at all. It’s much safer to stay in than to try to weather a blizzard or navigate dangerous roads.

4. Stock Your Car With Emergency Supplies

If you somehow find yourself stranded in your car, it will help immensely to be prepared. We recommend preparing a small emergency kit consisting of:

• A shovel
• Road salt (or sand, or kitty litter)
• A windshield ice scraper
• A cell phone charger
• A first aid kit
• A few granola bars
• A flashlight

Hopefully you will not have to use the items in your emergency kit, but it’s better to be on the safe side.

5. Don’t Drive Impaired

It goes without saying that you should never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs no matter the season, but winter is an especially tempting time to get in the car and drive while impaired. All of the holiday parties mean alcohol consumption, and because it’s so cold out people will drive to places they may otherwise walk or take public transit to.

We highly recommend planning ahead and taking a cab or ride sharing service anywhere you know you will be drinking. If you weren’t planning on drinking but ended up having a few, leave your car where it is and get a ride back home.

Schedule Your Winter Car Accident Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident on an icy road, call Karl Truman at 502-222-2222 to schedule your free legal consultation. We serve clients in Louisville, KY and Jeffersonville, IN.