Welcome to Seattle, where a tire shop outside Tacoma just caught fire. It’s a city known for reckless driving because car accidents are surging.
The numbers are staggering; in 2021, road accidents grew 21% compared to 2020. More than 500 people were killed despite COVID-19 lockdowns in place.
Psychologists claim one of the main reasons for the steep rise in road accidents is the impact of the pandemic on our brains.
Since our brains are programmed to avoid harmful events, we’re too defensive or aggressive towards others, which removes the ability to concentrate on the task at hand.
True. But if you assess the numbers closely, you’ll also realize most of these accidents occur during the winters.
Why? Slippery roads. As everyone is in such a hurry, they tend to ignore those who observe traffic laws and even pedestrians who aren’t even driving.
Despite taking all the preventive measures, there’s a good chance that you may experience unfortunate situations such as accidents. In that case, hefty medical bills and structural damage can add a toll on your financial situation. Thus, according to atlantapiattorney.com/car-
That being said, in this article, we’ll provide helpful tips for you to avoid car and pedestrian accidents during the winter.
Change your tires.
The first thing on your to-do list should be to check your tires. If you’re using summer tires during the winters, you’ll have zero traction, which means you’ll slip if you hit the brakes.
Winter tires have deep and aggressive treads that help keep your car planted, allowing you to maintain grip if you stamp on the brakes, giving you more control over your car.
In addition, be careful while driving on roads that have not been treated with salt or other deicers, as they can be slippery.
P.S – if you’re a pedestrian, be extra careful because not everyone will invest in getting winter tires, which means you’re on your own.
It would be a good idea to keep a Seattle car accident lawyer on your speed dial just in case.
Install good wiper blades.
Ensure that your windshield wipers are in good shape and work well to give you a clear view of the highway and your surroundings.
The right type of wiper blades can help give you better vision even in the snow. Also, be careful your wipers do not scrape away the deicer.
The wipers should have a unique low-scrape feature or be made of rubber to move snow from your field of view.
P.S – if you’re a pedestrian, look both ways when crossing the road, even if the light’s red.
Use your seat belt.
Always buckle up before you start the engine. According to an estimate, more than half of the deaths during work trips were of people not wearing their seat belts properly.
Also, not following traffic laws was one of the leading causes of road accidents. So be a good citizen and obey all traffic rules.
P.S – if you’re a pedestrian, use the sidewalk, not the road.
Check your fluid levels and tire pressure.
Get your car checked for leaks and ensure that you have the correct tire pressure. You should also check that your vehicle’s heaters are working.
Check the anti-freeze level to make sure it is not too low. If the required pressure is not available, you may have a flat tire or poor traction.
You should also check brake fluid levels. In the winters, brake fluid tends to get thicker, which affects braking, so replace it with a solution with anti-freeze properties.
P.S – if you’re a pedestrian, don’t cross the road if you see a yellow light; wait when all cars are stationary.
Ensure that you have the right kind of headlights.
For nighttime driving, make sure your headlights are working correctly. You should also know that using high beams on clear roads may temporarily blind other drivers, which can cause a head-on collision.
In addition, don’t use parking lights if you’re following another car.
P.S – if you’re a pedestrian, refrain from going out at night during the weekends on main roads.
Slow down.
Driving over the speed limit increases the risk of skidding and getting into a car accident. Always drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions.
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that you should drive at a speed at which you can stop within the distance you can see ahead.
If you’re stuck in the snow, stay in your car. In case your vehicle gets stuck, try rocking it back and forth instead of spinning the tires or trying to drive through deep snow.
Spinning the tires might look cool but will only dig you in deeper. Try calling for help or a tow truck to get yourself out of the snow.
P.S – if you’re a pedestrian, playing in the snow isn’t a bad idea if it’s in your backyard.
Use proper clothing when driving.
Mittens and snow boots seem like a fashion disaster to many people, but they’re wintertime driving essentials. It would help if you used these to protect your hands and feet while driving in the cold.
If the temperature is below freezing, it’s best to stay off the roads altogether. If you are not confident in your driving skills and the driving conditions, stay at home.
P.S – if you’re a pedestrian, stay home during blizzards.
Keep an emergency kit in your car.
An emergency kit is essential when driving, especially during unpredictable weather.
The following things should be included: a flashlight, a first aid kit, a shovel, a small amount of gravel (for tire traction), jumper cables, flares and reflectors, matches or a lighter, extra clothes including rain gear and boots, some food and water, basic first-aid supplies, window washing fluid, a blanket, and a cellular phone.
If you have to go out in the snow, drive slowly and carefully. If someone stops to help, call for more assistance.
If it is too late for this advice to be of any use, pull safely off the road and stay put.
Remember
It’s slippery during the winters, so you need to be careful when out on the roads, not just for yourself, but for those who aren’t driving as well. Stay safe out there.
