Car Accident Attorney Offers Winter Driving Tips for New York Roads and Freeways

Now that clear skies often give way to heavy winter rains, snow and sleet, everyone needs to exercise greater caution while traveling on New York roads and freeways. Perhaps the most tip is to only drive on days you must go out – and try to run critical errands on the way home from work or other key destinations.

If you’ll also have your car thoroughly “winterized” with new antifreeze, better tires, and upgraded brakes, you’ll remain much safer than most of those you pass by.

Here are some helpful driving safety tips provided by our state government, a local daily newspaper, AAA, and other sources.

Key Ways to Stay Safe on New York Streets and Highways

A monthly vehicle check-up is crucial.

If you drive long distances daily, always visit your mechanic at least once a month to be sure every car part is in top working condition. Even worn-out windshield wiper blades can spell doom during a sudden snow blizzard. Proper tire pressure is also important, along with making sure your battery is fully charged and your trunk’s spare tire is properly inflated and kept near your jack;

Always keep your gas tank at least half full.

You never know when you may need to keep the engine running to power your heater after a sudden mass accident unfolds – or when you’re forced to take a very long detour around deep snow banks;

Take a defensive driving course and always keep both hands on the steering wheel.

Far too many accidents happen when people stop watching where they’re going as they hunt for lost items on the floors of the front and back seats;

Have at least one alternate route in mind ahead of time and give yourself an extra half hour to get wherever you may be going.

Too many winter drivers think they can still travel at the same speed limit that they use the rest of the year;

Obey all traffic signs, avoid speeding, drive friendly (yield the right of way whenever safely possible), and keep your seatbelt fastened;

Remember that driving in the snow takes special skills.

Also, tall snowdrifts can easily obscure the presence of children walking near the street. Be sure to allow much more space between you and the vehicle in front of you in case you must stop suddenly. And if you get stuck in the snow, it’s usually safest to wait for help inside your vehicle. Finally, review the current advice on how you should steer when skidding on snow or ice;

Make sure you’re carrying adequate safety gear in your car.

Always carry at least one fully charged cell phone and a recharging unit. Also, consider attaching chains to your tires if you’ll be driving a long distance on any given day. Keep in mind that every driver should have most of the following items either in the back seat or packed in the trunk: a shovel, traffic flares, jumper cables, two working flashlights (and back-up batteries for both), and a hammer-like device for breaking out a window should you wind up buried in a major snowdrift or another compromised location;

Food, first aid, and spare dry clothing and socks.

If you get stuck in your vehicle while waiting for a tow truck – along with dozens of others – you’ll be glad you stashed some easy-to-open, non-perishable cans of food, dry snacks, and plenty of water in appropriate containers in the back seat of your truck or car. Beef jerky and canned mini-sausages can really hit the spot when you’re stranded.

Make sure you’re also carrying a moderately-sized first aid kit recently purchased at a local pharmacy. Be sure you have plenty of properly wrapped gauze pads and adhesive tape. People often suffer serious cuts while changing a tire or digging around in their trunks during bad weather. As for the spare change of dry clothes – kept them neatly folded in the backseat of your car along with spare socks and winter boots. Just one quick trip outside your vehicle after an accident will make you want these;

Always leave small children at home with a sitter whenever possible.

That quick trip to the grocery store could wind up lasting for a full day or longer. While it’s one thing to look out for yourself, young children tend to grow cold much quicker than adults – especially when they’re not wearing warm coats, long underwear, hats, and gloves;

Keep your membership current with a good auto towing and road service.

Even if you’re quite good at changing flat tires, you’ll be glad to have a young towing employee drive up and give your battery a charge if you’re stranded in the snow – or tow you to the nearest repair shop;

Should you or anyone close to you suffer serious injuries due to any type of major vehicle accident, contact your New York auto accident injury attorney right away. We’ll do all we can to help you recover the funds owed to you due to the other party’s negligence.