2018 Winter Driving Tip

If you live in the state of Indiana, then you know that there is more the winter season brings than just the cool weather and beautiful scenery. It also brings danger to the roadways. Because the winter weather causes roadways to become icy and slippery, it increases the chances of a driver engaging in an auto accident.  Did you know that “winter-related vehicle accidents kill more people annually than large-scale weather disasters” [Source: The Weather Channel]?

With temperatures already dropping in the state, it is important for motorists to now take the time to review some winter driving tips so that you aware of what you can be doing prevent an accident as well as other mishaps from happening.

1. Never drive while you’re feeling fatigued. Be sure to get in at least seven to eight hours of rest each night so that you can be alert and attentive when it comes time to get behind the wheel.
2. Never warm up your vehicle in an enclosed area such as a garage.
3. Be sure your tires are properly inflated. When the weather begins to fluctuate in temperature, your tires tend to lose air pressure and you don’t want to be traveling on an icy highway with a tire that could potentially go flat.
4. Try and keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid a gas line freeze-up.
5. Refrain from using cruise control when driving on any slippery or wet surface.
6. Always look and steer where you want to go.
7. Always wear your seatbelt. It can save your life and even prevent you from sustaining a severe injury in the event you engage in a wreck.
8. If you encounter snow, be sure to drive slower than you normally would.
9. Increase your following distance to eight or nine seconds so that if you have to stop abruptly you are able to do so safely.

[Source: AAA Exchange].

Do you plan on traveling for the holidays? Below are a few more safety tips the AAA Exchange has to offer if you have a long-distance trip scheduled in the near future.

1. Watch the weather forecast before traveling so that you are aware of what you might encounter. If a snowstorm or other inclement weather is expected in the area in which you plan to travel in, you may have to delay your road trip for a few hours or even a day.
2. Ensure your vehicle is in “peak operating condition.” It is never a good idea to take a vehicle out on an icy or wet road when it needs to be taken in for maintenance work.
3. Pack some blankets, hats, food, water, and medication in the event an accident occurs or your vehicle stalls so that you are able to keep warm and don’t go hungry while you wait for help to arrive. While most roadside assistance companies are able to get to you quickly, it may take longer if the weather conditions slow them down.
4. The AAA Exchange says that “if you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you.”
5. Check your exhaust pipe to be sure it isn’t clogged with snow, ice, or mud. If you weren’t aware, “a blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.”

To review some other winter driving tips, visit the AAA Exchange website now.

Now, if you’ve recently engaged in a car crash in Gary or Hammond, IN and you haven’t had the opportunity to go on your holiday road trip, consider contacting Gary, IN car accident attorney Marshall P. Whalley. Our office can provide you with the assistance you will need when it comes time to deal with the insurance companies and/or the other parties that are involved. In the event the collision has left you suffering from serious injuries, we can also aid you in filing a personal injury lawsuit in order to recover compensation for the damages sustained.

If you would like to learn more about our office and how we can help you get through this tough time so that you can get back to enjoying the holidays, give us a call at 219-769-2900 to set up an initial consultation.

You can also visit Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC at:
51 W. 112^th Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone-219-769-2900
Toll Free-855-442-7211
Fax- 219-769-2995