Indiana winters can prove treacherous for the inexperienced and experienced driver alike, as any accident attorney in Indiana can attest. The key to winter driving is being aware and using safe driving practices to help avoid accidents. A few suggestions are outlined in the list below:
1. Go Slow
Most people are aware of the adage, “slow and steady wins the race.” Well, that is never more true than in the winter. Snow and ice make the roadways slick and unpredictable, and driving fast in such conditions is reckless at best and deadly at worst. To avoid unnecessary risks, go slow. Do not rush to accelerate. Let your tires build traction steadily. As any Indiana accident attorney can tell you, speed often plays a role in winter crashes.
2. Increase Following Distance
An excellent tip is to increase your following distance. For example, if you leave three car lengths on a 30 MPH roadway, consider increasing that distance to four or five. You cannot always tell when streets are ice-covered, which can lead to skidding. If you follow too close, you may end up in a fender bender or worse.
3. Know Your Brakes
Every vehicle is different, and the braking system may be more sensitive in newer vehicles than in older models. Any accident attorney in Indiana will probably warn you against thinking your brakes will respond the same on slick or icy roads in the winter months. If you do not know how your brakes will respond, then go to a parking lot or somewhere with a lot of room and practice braking until you are comfortable with the system’s feel.
4. Ensure All Systems Work
Cold weather can wreak havoc on your car’s electronics. Did you know that the cold weather can drain your vehicle’s battery? Before heading anywhere in the winter, do a proper system check of your car and its battery.
Sometimes, accidents are unavoidable in the snow and ice. If you are in an accident and need an accident attorney in Indiana, then contact Potts Law at (317) 951-0087 or fill out the online contact form.
