Avoiding Winter Car Accidents
Driving in winter conditions can be challenging. As part of a their continued commitment to awareness and prevention, the Toronto car accident lawyers at the Kahler Personal Injury law Firm offer some safety tips for the fast approaching winter driving season.
In Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation makes it a priority to provide efficient winter road maintenance services to drivers. However, winter weather can be quite unpredictable, and road conditions can change in an instant. The following tips can help you reduce the risk of an accident.
Tips For Winter Driving
• Reduce your speed and wear your seat-belt.
• Drive according to road and weather conditions. Stay on the main roads; during severe winter blizzards and snowstorms, the main roads are usually the first priority for salting and plowing.
• Avoid passing other vehicles when road conditions are bad, and keep watch for pavement that is slightly darker or duller looking than the rest of the road surface – this can be an indicator of black ice.
• Avoid using cruise control. Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. Braking suddenly on ice can cause you to lose control.
• Wear non-restrictive clothing. Peeling off layers of clothing while driving is distracting and can be dangerous.
• Plan your driving route according to weather reports. Don’t take chances when the weather is bad.
• Ensure good visibility by clearing all frost, fog, snow and ice from windows, lights, signals, side mirrors and roof-top before you head out. If visibility worsens, safely pull off the road at the next exit or rest area as soon as possible.
• Increase safety by getting a winter vehicle maintenance check-up. Your mechanic is likely to check for loose hoses, belts, and battery connections; as well as your: radiator, oil, lights, brakes, tires, exhaust system, heater/defrost, wipers, and ignition system.
• Your car should have a fully charged battery to start in cold temperatures.
• Keep your gas tank full, or at least half a tank.
• Keep windshield washer fluid rated a minimum of -40°C temperature topped up.
• Have your tires checked for damage or wear and remember to check tire pressure frequently – as it can decrease in cold weather.
• Install a complete set of winter tires – they provide better traction for braking and handling during frost, snow, slush, and icy conditions.
• When your purchase your next car, consider adding optional traction control and stability control.
• Be prepared to make an emergency phone call by taking a fully charged cell phone with you. Pull over to a safe spot and call 911
• Keep a winter survival kit in your car, essential supplies can save your life if you get stranded.
Unfortunately, the number of car accidents in Ontario increase substantially during severe winter weather conditions. If you have been hurt as a result of a winter car accident, (regardless of who’s at fault) you should seek the advice of a Toronto personal injury lawyer who has experience in dealing with winter car accident claims.
The Kahler Personal Injury Lawyers offer free car accident consultations and free case assessments and offices in Toronto and Barrie and represents car accident injury victims throughout the Province of Ontario.
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