Avoid Ending Up In The Auto Shop With These Winter Driving Tips
Severe weather can cause major accidents on any type of road. In fact, 24% of U.S. car accidents occur in icy, snowy, or slushy conditions. When driving during the winter, it is crucial that you are prepared for anything. Whether you are inexperienced or over confident, it is important to take precautions when the weather is bad. Driving in snow and ice is much different than driving at other times because the road conditions will change drastically. Even if the precipitation is just starting, the conditions can change within minutes, forcing you to change the way you drive. In an effort to become a better driver during the winter and help prevent accidents on the road, here are some tips to help you drive in the winter weather.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
The weather is notorious for changing in an instant. Even if you have checked the weather the day before, you should make sure to check it before you leave the house. The weather forecast can quickly change, and even though you may expect clear conditions, snow and ice can quickly move in without much notice. Even if you are in a rush to get out the door quickly, checking the weather is imperative to understand what you are dealing with. If you don't have time to find it on the TV, you can download a weather app on your phone that provides you current and upcoming conditions.
Take Your Time
When the roads are bad, you cannot be in a hurry. Traffic should be slower, and you want to drive slower so you see what is happening ahead of you. When you go to accelerate, you want to do it gradually, or else you could end up sliding around. By braking too fast, you could end up skidding and sliding as well. If you do hit a rough patch on the roads, then you want to pump your brakes in order to slow down.
Prepare Your Vehicle
You never know when you could find yourself stranded. In cold conditions, the chances of survival are lower when the weather is below freezing. It is crucial to have at least a half of tank of gas in your vehicle at all times so you don't find yourself stranded and cold. Before the winter season hits, you also want to make sure your wiper blades are in good condition and your battery is fully charged. If you live in a very cold climate that encounters a lot of harsh weather, you may want to consider changing your tires to winter tires. They will have more tread and you can gain better traction in the winter weather.
If you do end up in an accident because of winter driving conditions, you'll want to have any repairs made as soon as possible, so it's a good idea to be familiar with the auto services in your area. You can visit sites like http://www.collision1.com/ to learn more.
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