Winter Driving Safety Tips

12/11/2018 Car Accidents John Whitfield

Winter is generally a happy time for people. Kids are out of school, parents are off work, and numerous holidays keep people celebrating into the new year; however, winter does present dangers. Driving in winter weather can be dangerous, and drivers who do not use extra caution can cause devastating accidents. The Nashville auto accident attorneys at Whitfield Bryson LLP don’t want to see any more tragic accidents during the holidays, so we’ve put together some winter driving safety tips to keep you and your family safe.

1. Absolutely no distractions! Drivers should never engage in distractions regardless of the time of year, but winter roads can compound the dangers. Drivers who take their eyes off the road are decreasing the amount of time they have to recognize road dangers or hazards and react to them. On winter roads, vehicles often need more time than on dry roads, where drivers can’t afford to lose even a fraction of a second.
2. Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Experienced drivers have probably learned this well, but it’s important enough to revisit. Tires don’t have as much traction on wet and icy roads, so any sudden acceleration or deceleration can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
3. Do not use cruise control. When the road conditions are poor, cruise control can be extremely dangerous and cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
4. Don’t stop going up hills. Drivers heading up a hill should not stop until they have reached the top. Vehicles that stop while heading up an incline will likely not have enough traction to continue upwards and their vehicles could roll backwards down the hill.
5. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. During the winter months, you will rely more on your tires than during the rest of the year. Make sure they are in top performing condition before you get behind the wheel.
6. Don’t drive in dangerous conditions. Sometimes there is no safe way to operate a vehicle. Check local weather reports before leaving to make sure there aren’t any dangerous weather conditions to put you at risk for an accident.

Driving Is A Responsibility

Driving is a huge responsibility. Regardless of the weather conditions, drivers are expected to operate their vehicles safely. There is no excuse for engaging in dangerous behaviors that can cause an accident. Drivers who recklessly endanger the lives of others need to be held accountable for their actions.

Nashville Auto Accident Attorneys

If you or someone you love was injured in an auto wreck, you probably have a lot of questions. The Nashville auto accident attorneys at Whitfield Bryson LLP are happy to sit down with victims and their families to answer questions and explain the legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.