Monday, February 24, 2014

Tips for Driving on Icy Roads

Tips for Driving on Icy Roads

According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 70% of the roads in the United States are located in snowy areas. About 900 people are killed every year in car accidents during the snowy season. The best tip to avoid driving in dangerous, icy conditions is to avoid driving altogether. But, unfortunately, that option is not always possible. Here are some more realistic tips that can help avoid a car accident while driving on icy roads.

To begin with, it’s always best to avoid driving until snow is plowed. It’s also a good idea to plan extra time to get to your destination in case you come across any issues as well as to avoid any added stress while driving. Before driving, make sure your tires have been well-maintained. It’s important to check your tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth. In case you do have to deal with a problem, it’s best to keep a survival kit on hand at all times. Keep spare tires, a wheel wrench, a tripod jack, shovel, jumper cables, a bag of salt, a tool kit, a first aid kid, flashlights with extra batteries, brightly colored clothing, ice scrapers and wool items like a blanket in your car.

Decreasing your speed and leaving enough room between you and the car in front of you (3x the usual space between) could help prevent a car accident. Also, brake gently when driving and make sure your lights are on no matter what time of day it is. In the event that your car does start to skid due to icy conditions there are methods you can use to control the situation. First, make sure not to panic and don’t press on the accelerator or brakes.  Next, steer in the direction that the rear of your car is sliding. Most importantly, remain calm.

If you have been involved in a car accident after driving on icy or snowy roads, contact Motor City Accident Attorneys. If you live in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, Motor City Accident Attorneys can help by fighting for your rights and getting you the maximum compensation you deserve. You can reach Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Don’t forget to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and join the conversation at #MCAA!