Preventing Car Accidents during the Snowy Holidays

Those in the state of Colorado are probably well-used to driving in snowy and icy weather. During the holiday season, however, there are likely to be many drivers coming to the state or traveling through the state who are not as practiced in driving in inclement winter weather. Even those who are used to driving on snow-packed roadways might want to consider a few “refreshers” on avoiding and preventing car accidents when wintry weather appears and holiday travelers increase the number of vehicles on the roadways. Following are some helpful hints to make your holiday travel safer for yourself as well as other drivers.

• Consider flying if you are visiting family members who live far from your home. A sure way to ruin your holiday is to end up stuck in your car on the side of the road in the middle of an unexpected snowstorm. If you don’t end up stuck, you could end up slipping and sliding into another vehicle. If flying is the least bit feasible, financially speaking, consider it as a mode of holiday transportation in place of driving. If you do decide to drive, make sure you have the necessary skills to drive safely in winter weather.
• Check the weather reports before you leave home. If the area you are traveling to is expecting really bad weather, consider postponing your trip, or perhaps leaving early in order to beat the storm. While it might be disappointing to have to cancel your holiday travel plans, remember—nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of your family and yourself.
• If you plan on driving in wintry weather—and you are not used to doing so—consider taking a winter driving course to boost your skills and your confidence.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly prepared before you leave home. If you know you will be driving in snow, invest in snow tires and a set of chains for your vehicle. Check your windshield wipers, and if they are the least bit “iffy,” replace them now, before you actually need them. Have an emergency kit, blankets and water bottles in your car, just in case, and make sure your cellphone is totally charged. Your emergency kit should include flares, a medical first-aid kit, a flashlight, jumper cables, a shovel, candles, matches and snacks at a minimum. Tire pressure, defroster, heater and lights should all be checked out and be in good working condition before you leave home.

Further Reading: Colorado’s Worst Commutes

• If you find yourself skidding on an icy road, remember to steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go—steer into the skid, in other words. If your car has anti-lock brakes, apply steady pressure. The brakes may “pulse,” which is normal. If your car has regular brakes, pump them gently. Remember that ice can form on roadways any time the temperature drops to 40 degrees or below, particularly when it is windy, so don’t assume the roads are not slippery just because the temperature hasn’t reached freezing.
• Watch out for black ice. Bridges, low areas, shaded areas, intersections and underpasses are more likely to have black ice—the area may even appear dry or only slightly wet, therefore drivers don’t take extra precautions because they aren’t aware the area is covered in ice.
• If road conditions are bad, whether from snow, ice, high winds or heavy rain, slow down. This is one of the best things you can do to increase your own safety as well as the safety of those around you. Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you in the event that vehicle skids.
• If your car gets stuck in the snow, or stalls out, don’t get out and walk in a storm. You could end up lost in the storm, making it more difficult for emergency personnel to find you, and making it much more likely you could be unable to find your way back to your vehicle, placing you at risk for frostbite—or worse.

Don’t mar your holiday by being involved in a car accident. Take the necessary precautions and you can enjoy your holiday as well as returning home safe and sound.

Contact Our Northern Colorado Car Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured in a car accident or a loved one has been killed, you need to speak to an experienced Northern Colorado car accident attorney immediately. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., our committed personal injury lawyers are dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves justice. Contact us at (303) 423-1770 or (866) 385-3505.

Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing injured accident victims in Broomfield, Arvada, Superior, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, Longmont, and throughout Colorado.