Winter is well on its way in parts of Missouri, bringing slippery roads and reduced visibility that can make driving dangerous. However, some areas are more perilous than others, with tight curves, poor pavement, and confusing intersections that make accidents much more likely. If you’re driving on notoriously dangerous roads, use the tips below to help prevent accidents and life-changing personal injuries.

How to Drive in Winter

1. Expect Changes

Frequent lane closures make traffic confusing, often leading to erratic behavior by other drivers. In the winter, other vehicles that have broken down, slid off the road, or been in an accident are common road hazards, disrupting traffic patterns and making collisions more likely.

2. Wear Your Seatbelt

Seatbelts are the single most effective safety feature in your vehicle, saving almost 15,000 lives every year. While it’s always crucial to buckle up behind the wheel, wearing your seatbelt can prevent severe or even fatal injuries if you’re driving on a dangerous road in the winter.

3. Leave More Space

On perilous roads, you may need to respond quickly if a driver in front of you suddenly brakes for a collision or road debris. In most circumstances, you should leave a three-second gap between your car and the vehicle in front, but on dangerous roads, you should allow even more space.

4. Avoid Distracted Driving

Anything that pulls your attention away from the road can cause an accident for which a personal injury attorney could hold you responsible. Avoid texting or talking on your cellphone, don’t eat behind the wheel, and leave the radio or heater settings alone until you stop safely.

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the personal injury team at Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, will fight to ensure you’re fairly compensated for your losses. Their attorneys have over 70 years of combined experience representing accident victims throughout southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas, establishing a track record of success in even in the most difficult cases. Get more tips on Twitter, visit their website to see how they can help after an auto accident, and call (573) 686-2459 to consult with a personal injury attorney today.