In Windsor and our surrounding areas, we experience our fair share of winter storms. Freezing rain, blowing snow, fog and heavy snow fall present as obstacles to safe driving.
When severe winter weather strikes, many drivers panic and many car accidents happen as a result of drivers who do not properly adjust their driving habits to reflect the conditions of the road.
It is well-known that winter tires increase a car’s stopping distance and police and insurance companies encourage drivers to purchase and install a complete set of winter tires. Unfortunately, not all drivers believe in the value of winter tires.
There are other measures you can take as a driver to drive safely and hopefully avoid an accident:
- Clear Your Car Off: Take the time to defrost your car and clear all the ice and snow off of it- do not drive with an obstructed view. Do not assume that the defroster will melt all the ice and snow off your windshield and back window and provide you with an unobstructed view. When clearing your car off, also be sure to brush all snow and ice off of your lights;
- Check your Wipers: Are your windshield wipers in good order? Make sure they are, and keep your windshield wiper fluid topped up, and an extra bottle handy.
- Keep Your Lights On: Make sure your headlights and brake lights are in proper working order and turn on your headlights so other drivers can see you approaching. Some cars have their lights set to automatic and only turn on via sensor, but it is important to make yourself visible to other motorists;
- Slow Down: Keep a safe distance between yourself and the car ahead of you, allow adequate room for braking. It is recommended to leave twice as much space as you usually do;
- Beware of Black Ice: Black ice can appear as wet pavement and can be a serious danger to drivers if they do not realize they are driving on black ice until it’s too late- look out for pavement that appears wet and shiny;
- Avoid or Limit the Use of Cruise Control: The OPP advises against using cruise control on wet, snowy or icy pavement;
- Yield to Snow Plows: Plows typically travel under the speed limit. Give snow plows extra room on the road, yield to allow them plenty of room to do their job and be patient. Be cautious when passing a snow plow.
- Stay on the Main Roads: These roads will be plowed and salted faster, and will be more travelled, making them safer to drive on;
- Be Careful When Changing Lanes: There may be a buildup of snow and slush in between the lanes, making it very difficult to change lanes;
- Practice Safe Braking: If your vehicle does not have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a system that allows you to steer while braking hard, you have to avoid braking suddenly and hard or you will cause your vehicle to skid. ABS prevents your wheels from locking when you brake hard.
Driving in and of itself is a big responsibility; regardless of the conditions, when you set out on the road, you should be alert, well rested and ready to pay attention.
If you have been injured as the result of a motor vehicle accident, it is important that you contact the experienced Windsor personal injury lawyers at Paciocco & Mellow at (519) 915-SORE (7673). We can provide you with a free, no obligation initial consultation.
The law firm of Paciocco & Mellow aims to help provide you with Peace of Mind at a Difficult Time.
We understand that you may feel overwhelmed during your lawsuit and we strive to provide the best service possible and to help our clients in any way that we can.