During any season of the year, a sensible driver appreciates the need to be careful. When winter arrives, all drivers ought to use an added amount of precaution. Some of the precautions pertain to care for the driver’s vehicle; others spotlight the proper way to travel on a road during the winter. Most of the personal injury lawyers in Leamington deal with a multitude of accidents due to improper driving skills and non-compliance to safety measures.
Examples of precautions that can be taken by drivers during the winter
Set aside time for maintenance check-ups. Arrange for a mechanic to check the vehicle’s tires, brakes, oil, lights, exhaust system, heater, defroster and windshield wipers. This last item should be checked, even if the driver does not expect to be traveling in the snow. In many parts of Canada, winter is the time of year when the snow and sleet can make the roads slippery.
Keep the fuel tank at least ½ full. If the driver must spend a long time in the properly-maintained vehicle, it should have enough fuel for running the vehicle’s heater.
Have an ample amount of windshield wiper fluid. If possible, carry an extra container, one that is full of the windshield wiper fluid.
Do not take off until all snow and ice have been removed from the vehicle’s roof, window, mirror and lights. Make sure that all the fog has been cleared from the inside of the vehicle.
Keep the vehicle’s tires in good shape. Do not let their tread get below 1.5 mm thick. Learn how to test a tire’s thickness by using a coin. Ideally, that tread should be 3 mm thick. Slow down, while on the road. Do not try to go as fast as allowed by the speed limit.
Allow for an extra amount of space between cars. If any vehicle slides into the rear of the one in front of it, a larger space reduces the chances that the hit car will end up smashing into the vehicle that is traveling in front of it. Steer gently when driving in slippery conditions. That should make it easier to deal with any skidding. Some tricks prevent skidding; others help the driver to deal with a skid.
Drivers should learn how to deal with skidding
Prevent skidding by not accelerating and not braking hard. Replace those actions with the ones that have been specified in the next word of guidance.
Release the vehicle’s brakes and steer into the direction of the skid. A correct approach can alter by as much as 90 degrees the direction in which a car has headed, after the tires have hit a patch of ice. Avoid making use of the cruise control. That makes it easier for the driver to maintain control of a given automobile.