Winter can be particularly harsh on roads (and those who use them). Drivers have to contend with slippery surfaces and snow-covered roads, see through vision-impairing fog and falling snow, and cope with other vehicles that may be driving slowly or have broken down due to harsh weather. If you want to avoid a visit to a personal injury lawyer in Prince George, heed these tips for driving safely this winter.
Prep Your Vehicle
Before getting on the road, clear snow and frost from exterior mirrors, windows, and the top of your vehicle. Put a snow scraper or brush in your car to deal with any snow or frost build-up when you park away from home. Don’t forget emergency items such as a shovel to dig your tires out of a rut, a flashlight to see in the dark, and jumper cables to start a dead battery. Changing your tires to winter versions can provide better traction on the ice and snow.
Drive Slowly and Deliberately
To avoid having to consult law firms and lawyers in Prince George after an accident, don’t rush on the road. Pay attention to all traffic signs and signals as you drive slowly. Plan what your next moves are going to be. Avoid sudden emergency maneuvers, which can send your vehicle into uncontrolled skids. Pay attention to what’s going on around you more than usual by avoiding such distractions as phone calls, multimedia controls and GPS destination entry.
Practice Controlling Skids
If your car starts to skid, do the opposite of what you would normally do. Instead, turn into the direction of the skid and step on the accelerator. This maneuver shifts vehicle weight from the front to the rear so you can regain control. If you’ve never dealt with a skid before, practice in an empty and icy parking lot. The more confidence you gain in controlling skids, the less likely it is that you’ll need to visit lawyers in Prince George BC.
Learn to Use Brakes
Before making a turn, step on the brake pedal slowly to reduce speed. You’ll then have more control as you round the bend. Do not accelerate until you’ve turned the corner. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS) and you need to stop, never pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure instead and so that the ABS can stop you firmly. If you or your loved ones have been in a motor vehicle accident, don’t hesitate to contact us at Dick Byl Law Group (change highlighted portion to Corporation) for legal advice.