Need to Know: How to Avoid Getting in a Car Accident this Winter

Winter is an exciting season with the holidays, activities and of course the hot chocolate- but unfortunately it’s not all fun and games. For those with cars it means another obstacle to deal with out on the road. Yes, the snow is pretty to look at, but it can cause some pretty horrific accidents too. Here at Nutley Kia we are advocates of safe driving and want to make sure you are equipped for any situation that is thrown your way! So, here are some things to keep in mind while driving this winter.

• Slow down! This should be obvious, but when you are in a rush it is easy to forget that there is a speed limit to obey. No matter what kind of car you drive remember: in slippery conditions, never go above 45 mph. Just because you have 4-wheel drive does not make you impervious to black ice- so be careful!
• Avoid making any sudden movements when it comes to braking and accelerating, always perform those actions with ease. It is also advised not to stop or accelerate when driving uphill. Any sudden movements can cause slipping, skidding and sliding all over the place.
• If you do happen to slip while driving, turn into it. Steer your wheel in the direction that your tires are moving.
• Pulling over can sometimes do more harm than good. If you see someone in need of help, call 911 instead of stopping.
• Stay focused. Don’t drive if you think you are too tired as driving in these conditions is already dangerous. And, as always, limit any and all distractions and keep your eyes on the road and off your phone.

• Make sure you are prepared with enough gas, antifreeze, washer fluid and have an emergency car kit in your vehicle. If you don’t currently have one, check out our guide on what to include.
• If you don’t have to leave the house, don’t. Look up the weather and road conditions in your area so that you can make informed decisions, and remember: never underestimate black ice!
• Increase your following distance to about 8-10 seconds to keep a safe distance from other vehicles. To figure out how many seconds behind you are find an object or mark on the road, count (one thousand one, one thousands two, etc.) from the time that the rear of the car in front of you until the front of your car passes the object. If the front of your car passes the object before the recommended time, slow down.
• Make sure you have plenty of gas (it is recommended to always have a half tank ready to go), your tire pressure is where it should be, your antifreeze and washer fluid is topped off and your window blades are set as well.

Driving in winter conditions may not be the most fun activity, but is necessary if you do plan on leaving your house for the next couple of months. Take some of the fear and guesswork out of it by being prepared for what is to come so that you can enjoy the season!

Sources:

• Icy Roads: How to Correct a Slide: http://icyroadsafety.com/correct.shtml
• Road Icing: Safety Tips to Remember: http://icyroadsafety.com/tips.shtml
• 14 Winter Driving Tips: How to Avoid Car Accidents in Snow and Ice: http://www.michiganautolaw.com/blog/2011/11/30/14-winter-driving-tips/
• 5 Tips to Avoiding Winter Car Accidents: http://www.yourcoloradolawyers.com/winter-car-accidents/
• 5 Common Mistakes You Should Avoid While Driving in the Snow: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/5-snow-driving-mistakes.htm
• Winter Driving Tips: http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/winter-driving-tips/#.WEg1SKIrKYV

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