MARCH MADNESS: TIPS FOR SNOW AND ICE DRIVING
Some time ago, we blogged about Surviving a Blizzard and provided tips to help winter drivers be prepared, but now that the madness of March weather in Colorado is upon us, we’re here to provide a few other reminders to help you avoid ending up in a snowbank or worse:
- If Possible, Stay Home: Is it necessary that you leave right now? The safest place you can be on a snowy day is at home with a warm cup of tea or hot coco. Try to avoid driving during the worst of the storm before snow plows have had a chance to clear the roads.
- Prepare for the Journey: If you must go out, make sure you remove any snow or ice from your vehicle first. It isn’t good enough to just scrape off a space on the front windshield big enough for you to look out. It blocks your peripherals, and the snow blowing from your vehicle creates a hazard for anyone in your vicinity. Failing to remove the snow from your vehicle is dangerous, inconsiderate, and illegal.
- Leave Early and Leave Space: Everything on the road takes longer when it is snowy. The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends that you maintain an eight to ten second following distance from other vehicles in snowy conditions instead of the recommended three to four seconds in dry conditions. It takes longer to brake, stop, and turn on ice, so give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going safely.
- Remember Newton’s First Law: Vehicles in motion tend to stay in motion. When traveling on icy roads, accelerate slowly to gain traction and try to avoid stopping whenever possible. This is especially true when going up a hill. Stopping on a hill will get you stuck, and applying extra gas will spin your wheels and get you stuck even deeper.
- Protect Yourself: Even in bad weather, you can avoid most accidents if you exercise discretion and proper driving practices. If you’ve been injured by the carelessness of another driver, don’t call their insurance company, contact one of our experienced lawyers at the Law Firm of Bell & Pollock to establish your Legal Game Plan™
