Winter driving is no fun, but unfortunately it is often unavoidable. For times this season when you have no choice but to venture out into snowy or icy conditions, our Bucks County car accident attorney would like to offer some helpful reminders for preparing your vehicle to be driven:
- Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need just in case it is more difficult than anticipated to remove all of the ice and snow that has accumulated on your car. You’ll want to make sure you have adequate time to do the job both thoroughly and carefully so that you do not damage your vehicle.
- Use a broom with soft bristles, not a shovel, to remove snow and/or ice from the roof of your automobile to limit the risk of scratching the paint. If you’re having trouble reaching, get a step stool.
- Be sure to remove ALL snow and ice from the top and sides of your vehicle so that it does not blow off while you’re driving and pose a risk to yourself and others on the road. Doing so will not only prevent an accident, but it will also keep you from getting a fine in PA. According to the 75 PA Cons Stat § 3720 (2016), “When snow or ice is dislodged or falls from a moving vehicle and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious bodily injury, the operator of the vehicle from which the snow or ice is dislodged or falls shall be subject to a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $1,000 for each offense.” Considering this, you’ll definitely want to take those extra few minutes to clear that snow and ice off before getting behind the wheel.
- Never force your windshield wipers upwards if they are frozen in place, as you will risk damaging them. Instead, turn on your defroster, chip off the ice around them and then gently pull them loose once the ice begins to melt.
- Last but certainly not least, be sure to clear any ice or snow from your vehicle’s tailpipe. A blocked tailpipe can prevent carbon monoxide from exiting your vehicle, causing it to build up on the interior while you drive. With this in mind, our car accident attorney in Bucks County highly recommends checking your tailpipe often during the winter!
By following these recommendations for keeping your car safe to drive in winter weather, you will greatly reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident this season.
We’re Here to Represent Winter Auto Accident Victims
If you are injured in a car crash this winter due to someone else’s negligence, turn to the Heslin Law Firm for legal assistance. Known as the car accident attorney Bucks County can count on, Mr. Gary Heslin will closely examine the details of your case and advise you on the course of action that will give you the best chance of getting the highest amount of compensation.
To speak with Mr. Heslin in a free consultation, call (215) 332-0300 today. And for tips on ice skating safely, visit our recent blog post. We look forward to showing you why we’ve gained a reputation for being the superior Bucks County car accident lawyer in the event that you require our legal services.