Driving in the winter is a necessity for most of us. Unfortunately, when the roads get slick in winter, the chances of an auto accident rise significantly – the Washington Post reported in 2019 that rain and snow increase the chances of a fatal crash by 34%. Following this article’s advice, you can prepare for this season’s winter driving and stay safe. Our Atlanta car accident lawyer can address any legal questions if you were in a car accident recently.

Georgia Emergency Management Advice For Winter Driving

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency offers important tips on staying safe during winter driving. First, the agency recommends minimizing travel during winter weather if possible. Many people can work remotely as technology has advanced, so you can stay home and still get your work done. Watching the snow or ice from your living room is safer than driving. However, if you need to drive, remember:

• Keep at least half a tank of fuel in the car when driving in the winter.
• An emergency kit in the trunk should include water, blankets, a portable cell phone charger, an ice scraper, a flashlight, spare batteries, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, and jumper cables.
• Follow directions from the Atlanta or state government about driving during ice or snowstorms.
• Slow down to at least 50% of your normal driving speed, and be prepared to use a lower gear for slow driving.
• Never stop on a hill during snowy or icy weather; you need forward motion on a flat road before driving up the hill.
• Avoid using cruise control in winter weather, and do not make sharp steering inputs.
• Drive cautiously around road crews as they clear snow and ice from the roads.
• If you come up to an inoperable four-way stop light, treat it like a four-way stop.
• Watch for black ice in shady areas and on bridges and overpasses. Four-wheel drive can help to get the vehicle rolling on slick roads, but it does not help when you need to steer or stop quickly on a slick road.
• Never hesitate to pull over to a safe location if the weather is too hazardous to drive.

Before Winter Hits

You also can avoid problems driving in the winter by checking your tires every fall. Having worn, slick tires makes it much harder to slow down and steer in bad weather. When checking your tires, ensure they are correctly inflated and that your battery and windshield wipers are in good condition. Having your car ready for winter weather means fewer chances of getting into a serious Atlanta car accident.

Speak To Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Today

Being hurt in a car accident is one of the most stressful things in life we experience. When another person hits and injures you on the road, they could be liable for your economic and non-economic damages. Our Atlanta car accident lawyer at Shani O. Brooks P.C. may be able to file a claim or lawsuit for you. Please contact our law offices in Atlanta now at (404) 920-4736.