Bad weather can create unsafe driving conditions—especially during the winter. According to data from the Department of Transportation (DOT), there are more than 110,000 winter weather crashes reported nationwide each year. Many crashes occur in various types of bad weather conditions, including rain, wind, and fog. At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, we want you to stay as safe as possible. Here, our Portland car accident lawyers highlight ten tips for safe driving in poor weather.
Tip #1: Make Sure Your Vehicle is Well-Maintained
Vehicle maintenance is a must. It is especially important for drivers who are operating in bad weather. You need to make sure that your tires, brakes, and other features are in good condition.
Tip #2: Slow Down (You Need to Adjust)
Driving slower in bad weather helps maintain better control of your vehicle. It also gives you more time to react to sudden changes and poor conditions, such as slippery roads or reduced visibility.
Tip #3: Use Your Headlights
All drivers should turn on their headlights to improve visibility for themselves and others. With that being said, you should avoid using high beams in foggy conditions.
Tip #4: Avoid Sudden Movements
Brake, accelerate, and steer gently to avoid skidding on wet, icy, or snowy roads. You need to be especially careful if there is snow or ice on the road.
Tip #5: Give Yourself Additional Distance to Brake
As you want to apply the brakes gently when you need to stop, you should leave at least double the normal space between your car and the vehicle ahead.
Tip #6: Avoid Distractions
Distractions are always dangerous when driving—but especially so in bad weather conditions. Make sure you avoid distracted driving.
Tip #7: Be Ready for More Mistakes By Other Drivers
Many motorists do not react well to adverse weather. Given that, you should be prepared for drivers to make more mistakes than usual.
Tip #8: Never Use Cruise Control in Bad Weather
Do not use cruise control in rainy, snowy, or icy conditions. It can cause your car to accelerate unexpectedly. Manual control helps you react to adverse conditions.
Tip #9: Plan Your Route Ahead of Time (and Check the Weather)
Be sure you know what to expect from the weather when driving. You should check the weather forecast and road conditions before starting your trip.
Tip #10: Stay Off the Road If the Weather is Extremely Bad
In some cases, the weather is simply too dangerous for any person—no matter how skilled—to drive safely. When this happens, you need to stay off the road.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Portland Car Accident Lawyer Today
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Portland auto accident lawyers are aggressive, experienced advocates for justice. If you or your loved one was hurt in a weather-related collision, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free case review. With an office in Portland, our firm handles motor vehicle accident claims throughout the surrounding region.
