It’s wintertime. With icy streets, foggy windshields, heavy winds, and holiday revelers, there’s a lot of added risk to being on the road. If you are planning any wintry road trips or commutes, it’s important to stay safe. You can’t control other people, but you can control your own precautions. Below we offer a few steps to take to keep yourself and your family safe on the road this winter. If you’ve been hurt in a traffic collision in New York, call a seasoned Bronx car accident attorney for advice and assistance.
Take It Slow
Everything about the wintertime makes driving more hazardous–the days are shorter, there’s less light when it is daytime due to fog, rain, and snow, the roads may be wet or icy, and other drivers may be more stressed from the holidays. It’s appropriate to drive a bit slower whenever the weather or road conditions call for added caution. Do not tailgate. The extra space between you and the car in front of you can be the difference between a fender-bender and a catastrophic accident.
Keep Your Windshield Clear
Prevention is key to avoiding needless risks during the winter. Keep a windshield scraper and a brush to clear your windows and wipers of powder snow and ice. Get winter-friendly de-icing windshield washer fluid that won’t freeze in your vehicle or on the window when deployed. Check your wiper blades before driving to make sure they’re working properly.
Limit Nighttime Driving
Although there’s a perception that wintertime driving is riskier than the rest of the year, in truth, time of day plays a much bigger factor. Driving at night limits your visibility as well as the visibility of all other drivers. Nighttime driving also exposes you to a greater risk of encountering someone who has had a few drinks or other intoxicants before getting behind the wheel. People do not want to walk, bike, or wait for a cab during the cold months, which might encourage people to drive when they know they shouldn’t. Limit your own time on the road in the later hours to mitigate your risk.
Stay Sober
The risks of winter-time driving are not all related to the weather. December has many important holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s. Many people celebrate the holidays by having a few drinks or consuming other intoxicants.
Unfortunately, many people then get behind the wheel. To limit your own risk of getting into an accident, do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and do not get in the car with someone else driving who has been drinking or taking drugs.
Avoid Holiday Driving
Even when you stay safe, you are still at the mercy of other people’s irresponsible behavior. To limit your own risk during the holiday season, avoid driving during peak holiday hours, including the afternoons and evenings on the major holidays. Early mornings after a big holiday also carry added risks.
Be Vigilant
Overall, the best thing to do when driving during the winter is to be careful. Keep your head on a swivel and watch out for sudden hazards, felled trees, erratic behavior from other drivers, and other dangers.
Call an Experienced Bronx Car Crash Injury Attorney Today
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a New York traffic accident, find out if you’re entitled to monetary damages for your injuries by contacting the dedicated and successful New York car accident lawyers at the Bronx offices of the Kohn Law Firm for a free consultation at 718-409-1200.