car accident

Stay Safe on the Roads this Winter

We have already seen some devastating weather patterns this winter in Arkansas. In addition to the wet and icy conditions of winter, there have also been extreme wind patterns and even tornados crashing through the state. With winter still a reality for us for a few more months, it continues to be important to stay vigilant out there on winter roads. There are unique hazards that come in the winter months and preparing for them can help you and everyone else on the road keep safe out there on the roads.

Stay Safe on the Roads this Winter

One of the best things you can do to stay safe on the roads this winter is to prepare your vehicle accordingly. Are your windshield wipers in good condition and fully operational? With visibility already at a minimum when severe winter weather patterns roll through, solid windshield wipers can make all the difference as can other safety features on your car. For instance, you should also check the condition of your tires, preferably snow tires for the winter months. Like visibility, traction can be hard to come by on icy, slippery, and wet winter roads. Having tires with thick, tough tread can help your vehicle maintain traction on the road and help prevent hydroplaning and spinning out. You should also consider keeping tire chains in your vehicle and a bag of sand. If you get stuck in an area of the road or off the road where your tires cannot gain traction and can help. Alternately, you may try using your car’s floor mats to help get you out of such a bind.

In addition to making sure your vehicle and all of its safety features are in tip-top shape, you should also consider keeping an emergency kit in your car. Such a winter emergency kit should include water, food, thermal blankets, flashlights, and other first-aid gear. If you are stuck on winter roads for any reasons, you will find such an emergency kit invaluable.

Avoiding winter roads when the forecast calls for inclement weather can also be the best practice this winter. Sometimes, however, driving is unavoidable. Should you need to go out on the roads in subpar weather, be sure to tell someone else where you are going and how you are getting there. Planning out your route ahead of time can help keep you focused on where you are and where you are going. Furthermore, sharing your route with someone else can make it easier for you to be located should you get stuck along the way and need any assistance.

Personal Injury Attorney

The roads are dangerous enough as is in fairer weather. Let’s all take the precautions we can to keep ourselves and others safe on the roads this winter. If you have been injured in an accident, do not delay in reaching out to the Law Office of Bryce Cook. Contact the Law Offices of Bryce Cook today.