Winter may be the season of holidays and family get-togethers, but it also brings blizzards, ice, and other conditions that make driving dangerous. While accidents can sometimes be unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to boost the chances of getting to your destination safely. To ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers, personal injury attorneys recommend understanding the threats of winter roads.

A Guide to Winter Car Crashes

1. Slippery Roads

Snow and ice make roads extremely slippery, reducing the amount of traction your tires can provide. To help you stay safe on the road, drive slowly, and leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the car in front of you. Snow tires or chains also maximize a car’s grip on the road, but you should still drive more cautiously than you would on dry pavement.

2. Poor Visibility

Winter precipitation, combined with fog and limited sunlight, can dramatically reduce driver visibility. In a normal Connecticut snowstorm, you may not be able to see farther than the car in front of you. In this situation, going slow will give you ample time to respond to changes in traffic. Always turn the vehicle’s headlights on to make yourself more visible to other drivers.

3. Old Tires

Worn-out or underinflated tires are always dangerous, but they can be extremely hazardous in winter driving conditions. Check your tires on a regular basis during colder months, and replace them if you notice bald spots, uneven wear, or bulges in the rubber.

Lower temperatures can also decrease air pressure inside the tires. Personal injury attorneys recommend checking them at least once a week to ensure they’re properly inflated. Review your car’s manual or the panel on the inside of the driver’s side door for the proper psi recommendations.

If you’re injured in an automobile accident this winter, you can trust Mark O. Grater Attorney at Law to hold careless drivers responsible. He specializes in personal injury law, as well as bankruptcy, worker's compensation, criminal, and DUI law. Visit him online to learn more about how he can help you recover compensation for damages. Call (860) 449-8059 for a free consultation with this personal injury attorney.