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A snow-filled winter wonderland might look pretty, but it also makes for dangerous road conditions. Whether you’re headed for a ski weekend out of town or going to visit relatives for the holidays, it’s important to exercise extra caution when driving during the colder months. Avoid accident and personal injury incidents by following these five tips.

Tips to Avoid Personal Injury While Driving This Winter

1. Winterize Your Vehicle

Get your car checked to ensure it’s ready for winter, from the engine to the windshield wipers. A garage can also put your snow tires on. These have larger treads and are made of a rubber compound that stays soft in freezing temperatures, allowing the tire to better grip the road.

2. Drive With Caution

Cars need more time to stop when roads are slippery, so leave a following distance of eight to 10 seconds between you and the car in front of you. Accelerate and decelerate slowly to keep tires from losing traction. If you do find yourself sliding, know how to react: With non-anti-lock brakes, pump rapidly up and down but with anti-lock models, a heavy stomp is needed to start the system. 

3. Remain Alert

personal injuryIt gets dark earlier in the winter, while falling snow or the glare of lights off wet roads can reduce visibility. Couple this with slick asphalt and you have very unpredictable conditions. Make sure you are well rested and alert when driving—you need to be able to react quickly, for instance, if your car skids. 

4. Avoid Stormy Weather

Don’t drive in inclement weather. Absolutely can’t put your journey off? Make sure somebody knows your route and what time you expect to arrive at your destination. If you get stranded, they can send help. 

5. Prepare for Emergencies

Even with appropriate precautions, accidents happen. Have blankets, water, food, warm clothing, and any medications you need in your car in case you get stuck. Also, save emergency roadside assistance numbers in your phone. 

 

If you are in an accident this winter and hurt because of another driver’s carelessness, you may want to file a personal injury claim. For legal guidance on how to proceed in Hamilton, OH, trust the professionals at Pater, Pater & Halverson. Their attorneys have over 90 years of combined experience handling everything from estate planning to criminal law cases. Find out more about their work in the personal injury field online. To discuss your case, call (513) 867-1411.  

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