9 Tips to Help You Stay Safe When Driving This Winter

Winter weather can be severe and many accidents occur in winter conditions. In the state of New York, drivers encounter the full gamut of winter road conditions, including wind, rain, ice, and snow. Here are some tips to help keep you from getting into a Saratoga County car wreck.

First, remember that vehicle maintenance and preparedness can go a long way in providing a safe driving experience. As a result, make sure to start by going over your vehicle and keeping an eye out for the following items:

• Check the treads on your tires – Thin treads can easily lead to an accident on the roadway. This is particularly true when the road is slippery or wet.
• Get rid of ice and snow from your car – Before driving your car, look it over and remove any ice and snow from the lights, windows, or roof.
• Fill up your washer fluid tank – Topping off your windshield-wiper fluid tank is an important but often overlooked car maintenance task.
• Use winter blades – Winter wiper blades can make a big impact on safe driving. If you find yourself in heavy rain or snow, winter blades can make the difference in maintaining visibility.

Neglecting vehicle maintenance can contribute to accidents, but driver behavior can be an even larger factor. To drive safe this winter, remember to:

• Stay alert – Keep on watch for traffic that is ahead of you. Do this at a greater distance than you would do under normal conditions.
• Slow down – You will want to slow down as soon as conditions change.
• Drive smoothly – Once the roads become slippery, it is important to not make any sudden turns or accelerations. Doing so can cause you to lose control.
• Brake carefully – Pushing your brakes suddenly or too hard causes many drivers to spin out. Instead of relying on your brakes to slow down, try to drive slowly enough so that quick braking is not needed.
• Drive defensively – Try to anticipate upcoming changes in the roadway and anticipate what other drivers may do.

Even the most prepared drivers can still get into a Saratoga County car wreck. If you have been in a car accident, contact Brian Lee today at 518.595.4407. Mr. Lee has also made his book, Adding Insult to Injury: Dealing With the Insurance Companies in the Aftermath of Your Personal Injury Auto Accident, available on his website for free.