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No matter how long you’ve been driving, winter conditions can make even the flattest road that you drive all of the time a treacherous trip. However, there are a few tips you can implement in order to have a safer drive in cold weather conditions.
Make sure your car is ready
Before you even get behind the wheel, you need to know your car is prepared to handle the winter conditions. In winter, you should be sure to check your vehicle’s battery, wipers and coolant.
You also need to check your car’s tires before snow and ice fall. If you are planning to use snow-specific tires, make sure you have them installed before snow starts falling. If you plan to use your normal tires, check that the tire pressure is sufficient and that there is plenty of tread to keep you from slipping and sliding in the ice and snow.
Drive slowly
When ice and snow are present, be sure to slow down. It is much harder to keep control of your car or slow down if the roads are covered in snow. You’ll also want to increase the distance you keep between your car and the car in front of you so that you have more time to stop if needed. Be sure to give yourself extra time to get where you are going so you don’t have to rush.
Know your vehicle
Every vehicle will handle a little differently when there is ice and snow on the road. Take the time to get to know how your car handles in adverse conditions before heading out into heavy traffic or especially harsh conditions.
Be prepared
Make sure your vehicle is stocked so you are prepared for a long wait in the cold in case you end up having car trouble. Items like blankets, flashlights, jumper cables, and flares or emergency lights are all good to have in your car. Even if you end up not needing them, they can be used to help someone else on the road.
Follow the other year-round safety rules
Of course you should also follow the standard rules like wearing your seat belt, making sure your children are in appropriate car seats, and ensuring you are not distracted by anything while driving – such as a cell phone.
Injury Treatment in Braintree, MA
No matter how careful you are in wintery road conditions, it is possible to get into an accident. If you do end up in a minor car accident with non-life-threatening injuries, consider visiting AFC Urgent Care Braintree for faster, more affordable injury treatment. We are open seven days a week to walk-in patients, so you’ll never need to worry about making an appointment. Most major insurance plans are accepted. For questions, please call
781-848-2273.
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