The winter raging in Washington, many of us are now dealing with roads that are slick with ice and snow. The following are some tips for driving in the winter without risking causing a car crash.
Watch your speed
When the roads are slick, it is important not to drive above the posted speed limit. In fact, you may have to drive under the posted speed limit, due to a reduction in traction. If you are accelerating or decelerating, do so slowly to avoid skids. It takes longer to reach a stop when roads are slick.
Keep a safe following distance
Tailgating sometimes seems like the right thing to do, but whether the roads are in good condition or bad it is something that always should be avoided, especially in winter. It is advisable to keep a five to six second following distance between you and the car in front of you. This will allow you to stop safely if the car in front of you stops.
Watch for hills
Hills can be tricky to navigate when roads are slick. If roads are heavy with ice or snow, try to build some inertia on flat ground before going up a hill. Then let the inertia carry you to the top. After that, slow down and go down the hill at a reduced speed limit.
Learn more about car crashes in Seattle
Unfortunately, there will always be those who do not heed these safety tips and will drive recklessly in winter weather, causing a car crash. Those who have been in a collision with another driver this winter may want to visit our firm’s motor vehicle accident webpage for more information on their rights and options.