It goes without saying that driving in icy conditions can be extremely hazardous. With this in mind, our Bucks County auto accident attorney would like to give you some refreshers on how to limit your risk of sliding into another vehicle or off of the road when driving on slick roads:
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- Increase your following distance – When traveling in icy conditions, it’s important to up your following distance to at least eight to ten seconds. Doing so will give you an adequate amount of time to react if the vehicle in front of you loses control or brakes suddenly.
- Avoid distractions – While driving in wintry weather, it’s more important than ever to stay fully focused on the road. To help you maintain your concentration, put your mobile device where you won’t be tempted to check it and refrain from adjusting the radio or climate controls while driving.
- Never slam on the brakes if you start to slide – Although your natural reaction may be to step on the brake pedal if you feel your vehicle starting to slide, doing so will actually make the situation worse. The best course of action to stop an automatic vehicle from sliding is to take your foot off the gas, put it in neutral and tap the brake pedal gently. For manual vehicles, you should depress the clutch.
- Remember that all vehicles are susceptible to sliding – Some people think that because they have a four-wheel drive vehicle, they don’t need to take precautions when driving in icy weather. However, this isn’t the case – any vehicle can slide on ice, so it’s essential for all motorists to drive with extreme care.
- Downshift at the first sign of ice – If you see cars in front of you sliding or you suspect that a particular area may be icy, our Bucks County auto accident lawyer recommends putting your vehicle into a lower gear. Taking this action will give you more control over the vehicle.
If you implement these tips into your driving routine this winter, you’ll have a much lower chance of losing control or colliding with another vehicle when driving on ice-covered roads.
Trust Us for Legal Representation This Winter
Unfortunately, accidents can happen to even the most careful drivers, especially when its icy or snowy outside. If you are injured by a negligent motorist, contact the Heslin Law Firm at (215) 332-0300. With more than 30 years of experience, our auto accident attorney in Bucks County has the legal prowess needed to win you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Want more advice on staying injury-free this winter? Don’t miss our posts on keeping kids safe on snow days and avoiding accidents while decorating for the holidays. We thank you for reading, and we look forward to showing you why we’re known as the auto accident lawyer Bucks County citizens can depend on!