Stay Safe With These 5 Winter Driving Tips

Winter is a lovely time of year in New Hampshire, especially when the landscape is covered with a fresh blanket of white snow. However, winter can also be a very dangerous time of the year for drivers when the roads become slick with ice. Since it isn’t practical to not drive at all during the winter season when driving conditions are at their most dangerous, it is important to familiarize yourself with how to drive safely in adverse weather and to be prepared for the unexpected.

Keep these winter safe driving tips in mind:

• Prepare your vehicle. At the start of the season, perform a check of your vehicle and all of its components, including the ignition, battery, headlights/taillights, antifreeze, fuel system, belts, brakes, windshield wipers, tires, etc. Not only is this good for fuel economy, but it can also help you avoid any potentially dangerous situations when driving in frigid weather.
• Carry emergency supplies. It is always a good idea to carry emergency supplies in your vehicle. Essential winter emergency gear includes blankets, extra clothing, booster cables, a snow scraper, non-perishable food items, water, extra windshield wipers and antifreeze, flares and reflectors, and a flashlight with extra batteries.
• Check current driving conditions. Before hitting the road, you can check current road conditions by calling New England 511. They provide maps of roadways throughout the state including road conditions, incidents, traffic speeds, roadwork, and more.
• Look far ahead in traffic. Rather than just focusing on the car ahead of you, look beyond it as far ahead in traffic as you can. This will give you a bigger picture of what is going on in traffic and allow you more time to react to any problems safely.
• Slow down. Drive at a speed that is safe for current weather conditions, even if that means you are traveling under the speed limit. Speeding can increase your chances of a dangerous skid that could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You should also be sure to leave a safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you so that you have enough room to brake or change lanes safely.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident caused by a negligent driver, contact Granite Law Group to speak with a New Hampshire car accident attorney about your rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Call our office today to get started: (603) 883-4100.