Tips for Driving Safely in Ice or Snow
Texas isn’t known for its snowy landscapes, but the weather has become more and more unpredictable. It might be in the 70s one week, but the next week everything might be covered in ice. We Texans don’t have too much experience driving in ice or snow, so it’s better to be informed just in case. After all, it’s always better to be prepared and not need it than to need it and not be prepared.
Your Car
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Check your wheels. If you have summer tires, you won’t last a second on ice. If you have all season tires, your traction will be sufficient for careful and light driving on ice. If you’re planning to need to get around a lot even in instances of snow and ice, you’re going to need winter tires.
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Replace your old windshield wipers. If it’s snowing, you’re going to need to see, and snow is harder to clear than rain.
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Make sure your lights are operational and clear.
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Get a general maintenance checkup on your car. The last place you want your car to break down is in the middle of an icy and snowy road.
Driving
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Slow down. You will need more room to stop than usual, so leave generous amounts of space.
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Don’t brake too hard—you’ll skid.
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Watch out for ice on bridges and unused roads. They usually ice the quickest.
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If you skid, steer where you want to go and take your food off the accelerator. Brake firmly but not too suddenly.
Driving in inclement winter conditions can be intimidating and dangerous. If you get into an accident, don’t panic, and always put safety first. If you’re injured because of the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Loewy Law Firm today for a free consultation.