Winter weather is coming faster than many people realize. As reported by Missouri Net, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) recently held its first winter weather training drills of the season. The agency wants its staff and contractors to be prepared for when winter weather inevitably hits. All drivers need to be prepared as well. At House Law LLC, we are strong advocates for safe driving—especially during adverse weather conditions. Here, our Kansas City auto accident lawyers offer five winter weather safety tips for drivers in Missouri and Kansas.
Be Prepared: Five Winter Weather Safety Tips for Drivers in Kansas City
Tip #1: Make Sure Your Vehicle is Winter Ready
You need to get your vehicle ready for the road. To start, check your battery. Cold weather can reduce a battery’s effectiveness. You should also inspect your tires. Make sure your tires are suitable for winter conditions. Consider winter tires that provide better traction. You should also have an emergency road kit in your vehicle.
Tip #2: Carefully Plan Your Route When Driving in Winter Conditions
Before heading out, check weather reports and traffic updates for any closures or delays along your intended route. As adverse winter weather can delay your journey, it is a best practice to leave early to reach your destination without the need to rush when the roads are less than ideal.
Tip #3: Practice Defensive Winter Driving (Adjust, Adjust, Adust)
You need to drive carefully in the winter. Slow down. Slippery roads require slower speeds to avoid skidding. Drivers in Kansas City should also apply brakes gently to reduce the risk of skidding. Hard braking is dangerous. If your vehicle begins to slide, ease off the brakes until you regain control.
Tip #4: Know How to Handle a Winter Weather Skid
Do you know how to handle a skid during the winter weather? If the rear of your car begins to slide left or right, gently steer in that direction to realign the vehicle. Try to stay as calm as possible: Panic can lead to overcorrecting during a winter weather-induced skid.
Tip #5: When in Doubt, Stay Off of the Roads
Here is the reality: There are certain winter weather conditions that are inherently unsafe to drive in. They are dangerous regardless of your vehicle, skill level, and experience. You should always stay off of the roads when they are too bad to drive safely. A good way to avoid winter weather accidents is to avoid winter weather driving when not necessary.
Get Help From a Top Personal Injury Lawyer in Kansas City
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City personal injury attorney has extensive experience handling motor vehicle crash claims. If you or your loved one was hurt in a winter weather collision, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free case review. With a legal office in Kansas City, we handle winter weather crash claims throughout Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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