Winter driving can be challenging—especially when conditions are severe. The safest place to be during dangerous winter weather is at home. If, however, you must travel during a winter storm, a little advance preparation is necessary. The following ten winter driving tips will help reduce your risk of accidents on icy Pennsylvania roads:
- If you are using your windshield wipers, make sure to turn your headlights on. It is a Pennsylvania state law.
- Use your low beam headlights, especially when snowfall is heavy.
- Reduce your speed.
- Increase your following distance so that you have plenty of time to slow down or stop when the car in front of you slows down or stops.
- Do not use your cruise control when the roads are covered in snow or ice.
- Watch for slippery conditions on bridges and ramps—ice can form there without warning.
- Be on alert for black ice on the roads. The road looks wet but is actually frozen and very slippery.
- Avoid stopping and starting suddenly.
- Do not pass or get between trucks plowing side by side on the road.
- Do not park on emergency snow routes.
When driving during bad winter weather, remember to slow down significantly and anticipate icy conditions. Although you may be driving as carefully as possible, you cannot always control the actions of other drivers. If you are involved in a serious car wreck due to the negligent actions of another, contact an experienced Harrisburg car crash lawyer at Schmidt Kramer for assistance. Contact us at (717) 888-8888 for your free consultation. You may also wish to download a free copy of our book Who Pays the Bills When You Are Injured in an Automobile Accident? for more information.