Where you live typically determines the conditions in which you are comfortable driving. For example, in the South, you may never experience a pothole or black ice, whereas in the Northeast, both are common in the winter. Even if you’re used to the changing weather conditions in the Fall and Winter seasons, it can be good to refresh yourself on safe driving tips. If you have a new driver in your home, reviewing safety tips for driving in the winter can be especially important. Knowing how to drive safely amid wither weather can help prevent car accidents and injuries.
Tip #1: Make Sure Your Car is Ready for Winter Driving
AAA offers the following driving tips for motorists to follow before navigating weather-worn road conditions:
- Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
- Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
- Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
- If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
- Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
- Always look and steer where you want to go.
- Use your seatbelt every time you get into your vehicle.
Tip #2: Have an Emergency Kit Handy
In addition to driving safely, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recommends packing a emergency kit for your vehicle. This driving tip can really come in handy if you experience a break-down, a car accident or an injury. PennDot suggests including the following items in your emergency kit:
- Battery-operated radio
- Jumper cables
- Cellphone and charger
- First aid supplies
- Extra warm clothing and gloves
- Blanket
- Bottled water
- Nonperishable food
- In case of snow: shovel, sand/salt
Tip #3: Check Your Car Insurance
Winter road conditions can lead to increased car accidents or injuries. Perhaps the most important driving tip during this time is to make sure you have the right car insurance coverage in the event of an accident or injury.
At GLS Injury Law, we handle many car accident and injury cases throughout the Lancaster, Pennsylvania region. We tell our clients to look for the following things when shopping for car insurance:
- Full tort over limited tort coverage
- At least $25,000.00 in medical coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in an amount equal to your liability coverage
- Liability coverage of at least $50,000.00 per vehicle
- Stacked coverage over non-stacking
Whether you are a veteran driver or navigating bad weather for the first time, respect the hazards posed by changing road conditions. Be smart, and drive safely and cautiously. The personal injury attorneys at GLS Injury Law can skillfully represent you in the event you are injured in any automobile accident.
