Even if you’ve lived in this area for years, driving in the snow and other treacherous winter road conditions never gets easy. Moreover, no matter how careful you are, it can be difficult to respond in time if another driver does something reckless or negligent.
Let’s look at a few things you can do to help prevent accidents and have a safer driving experience.
Prepare your vehicle
Making sure your vehicle is ready for winter is critical. Be sure you have winter (snow) times on your car and that they’re properly inflated.
You’ll want to keep your windows, headlights and taillights free of snow and dirt. This increases your visibility and helps other drivers see you. That means ensuring your windshield wipers are in good shape and keeping a snow scraper in the car. Make sure your backup camera is clear.
A word about headlights: It’s always best to use your low-beam headlights. High beams can blind oncoming drivers – especially when the light reflects off snow.
Plan your route
If you must drive in inclement weather, get weather and traffic information for your route before you head out. It’s also wise to check traffic reports and maps to see if there are crashes that are causing serious back-ups or detours.
If you have GPS, set your route before you start driving. If it gives you a choice of routes, choose roads that are generally clear and (if it’s dark or cloudy) well lit.
Adjust your driving habits
Even if you consider yourself a safe driver, extra precautions are necessary. Drive below the posted speed limit. Even if the roads don’t appear icy, there can always be patches of “black ice.” Keep your distance behind vehicles in front of you and keep an eye out for what’s up ahead. That 3-second rule should be extended a second or two. Doing these things can help you avoid having to make sudden stops, which can send you into another lane or even facing the wrong way.
Check your emergency kit
If you haven’t checked or refreshed your emergency kit lately, do it. It should include at least one flashlight, extra batteries, small shovel, first-aid kit, warm clothes, blankets, water and snacks.
Be sure your phone is fully charged before you get in. Even if you have a phone charger in your car, if the battery dies, it will do you no good. Carrying a portable phone charger is always smart.
By being prepared for whatever the Albany winter brings to the roads, you can minimize your risk of a serious collision. Of course, too many drivers aren’t prepared. If you’re involved in a collision, an experienced Capital Region attorney can help you protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.