According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), there are approximately 5.9 million car crashes each year. Of those crashes, about 1.2 million (or 21%) are weather-related crashes. And of the 1.2 million weather-related car crashes each year, 18% of them occur when snow or sleet is falling, 16% occur on snowy/slushy pavement and 13% occur on icy pavement.
**Full Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
Driving Too Fast – Posted speed limits are set for when visibility is clear, and roads are dry. In winter weather conditions, it is important to reduce your speed. It takes four to ten times longer to stop on icy or snowy pavement than it does on dry pavement. Driving too fast on roads that are icy or snowy reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of a car crash.
Following Too Closely – Much like driving too fast, following the car in front of you too closely (AKA tailgating) reduces your reaction time, in the event you need to slow down or stop suddenly. It is important to remember that when roads are covered with ice, rain, sleet or snow, they are slick and therefore, you’ll have less traction. When driving during winter, increase your following distance, from the usual three seconds, to eight seconds.
Not Being Prepared – Winter weather can change in the blink of an eye, which can lead to events like being stuck in traffic or getting into a car collision. It is because of this that you need to be prepared for the winter months. This means checking to ensure your tires have the adequate pressure and tread depth, checking the antifreeze level & the battery power and ensuring the window defrosters work. Also, there are a few important items to keep in your car during winter, including bag of rock salt/sand, blanket, gloves/mittens, ice scraper, snow brush and snow shovel.
Not Removing Snow & Ice From Your Car – Driving with snow and ice on your vehicle is not only dangerous, in some states it can cost you a fine of up to $1,000. Clearing snow and ice from your car’s windshield, rear window, side windows and side view mirrors, will ensure that you have complete visibility all around you. Cleaning off the headlights and taillights will ensure that other drivers can see you. And don’t forget to clean off the roof. Snow and ice flying off the roof while you’re driving can cause accidents.
Slamming on the Brakes – When you’re driving in winter and you suddenly feel your car sliding, your first reaction may be to panic and hit the brakes, right? Well, this is a huge mistake because this will remove the traction for your tires, resulting in your inability to control your vehicle. Instead, what you want to do is to ease off the gas pedal and allow your vehicle to slow down on its own.
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