During the wintertime when roads tend to be slick, it’s important to exercise extreme caution while driving. Otherwise, you may end up causing damage to another vehicle or, even worse, injuring yourself or another party. To limit your chances of being involved in a crash, our auto accident lawyer in Bucks County recommends avoiding the following bad winter driving habits:
- Driving at an unsafe speed for the road conditions – According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), you should lower your speed by at least 1/3 of the speed limit when roads are wet and at least ½ when roads are covered with snow. Failing to do so increases your chances of hydroplaning or losing control of your vehicle.
- Operating a vehicle while under the influence – While it’s never a good idea to drive when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it’s even riskier to do so when weather conditions are poor. That’s because driving in wintry weather requires your full, unaltered attention. Plus, it’s essential to be able to react quickly if your vehicle starts to slide, and you probably won’t be able to do so if you’re under the influence.
- Failing to adequately clear snow and ice from your car – When you’re in a hurry, you may be tempted to drive your vehicle without first getting rid of all of the ice or snow that has accumulated on your headlights, taillights and windshield. However, skipping this step can have disastrous consequences due to the fact that it will greatly reduce your visibility and make it difficult to see what lies ahead.
- Not maintaining an appropriate following distance – Another risky action is failing to leave enough room between your vehicle and the one in front of you when roads are slippery. This can result in you sliding into the other vehicle and being held liable for any injuries or damages that occur.
Looking for more tips on staying safe during the cold season? Be sure to check out our blog posts on avoiding accidents while driving in icy conditions and keeping kids safe and injury-free on snow days.
Injured? Consult Our Bucks County Auto Accident Attorney
If you are the victim of another motorist’s negligence this winter, our experienced Bucks County auto accident lawyer will be ready and willing to defend you. Whether you’ve sustained minor injuries or life-changing ones, we’ll devote our full attention to helping you receive the compensation you deserve.
Ready to speak with the auto accident attorney Bucks County residents have trusted for more than 30 years? Call the Heslin Law Firm at (215) 332-0300 or contact us on the web. We look forward to seeking justice for your case.