Avoiding Winter Car Crashes in Central Kentucky
Winter is upon us again so we can expect dangerous and treacherous driving conditions due to winter weather. Last year, parts of Kentucky interstates were closed due to winter weather and car crashes were reported throughout central Kentucky. The safest way to avoid winter car crashes is to avoid or limit driving during winter weather. Unfortunately, not everyone can avoid driving during winter weather all of the time. Therefore, take time to remind yourself of these safe winter driving tips to keep yourself and others safe on Kentucky roads this year.
Winter Weather Driving Tips to Avoid Car Crashes
You may not be able to avoid all car crashes during the winter; however, you can take precautions to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.
- Carry an emergency kit in your car, especially during the winter. Include a small tool kit, first-aid kit, blankets, extra clothes and shoes, bottled water, non-perishable protein snacks, flashlight, batteries, battery-operated radio, and roadside flares.
- Check tire tread. If your tire tread is less than one-sixteenth of an inch, replace your tires.
- Inflate your tires to the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) in your owner’s manual.
- Keep your gas tank no less than two-thirds full (completely full is best).
- Remove all ice and snow before leaving your home to avoid falling debris from distracting you and other drivers. Falling snow and ice from cars can cause car crashes.
- Check all fluid levels regularly. Use no-freeze fluid in the window washer reservoir.
- Check weather and road conditions before leaving home and plan your driving route. Allow additional time to arrive at your destination.
- Leave additional space between you and the vehicle in front of you to allow for extra breaking time.
- Reduce distractions while driving and pay close attention to the road and traffic in front of you.
- Tune your radio to the local traffic channel for warnings of upcoming road conditions, accidents, and roadblocks.
- Inexperienced drivers should take a winter driving class or practice driving in winter weather during daylight areas in a large open area without obstacles.
- Be cautious of bridges and overpasses that ice before roads. Slow down before reaching the bridge or overpass and coast over.
- If your car does skid, steer into the skid as you ease your foot off the accelerator. When the car begins to travel in the direction you want it to go, steer in that direction and gently press the accelerator.
Have You Been Involved in a Winter Car Crash?
Contact an Experienced Kentucky Car Crash Attorney
We’ve Helped Thousands of KY Families, we can help you!
The personal injury lawyers of Musselwhite Meinhart & Staples, PSC want to help you and your family seek the justice you deserve for the damages caused by a winter car crash. If you have been injured in a winter car crash, contact our office to discuss your legal options for receiving compensation for your damages. Even if the car crash was partially your fault, you still may be able to collect damages for your losses.
Our law firm represents clients throughout central Kentucky. Contact us at our Radcliff and Elizabethtown Office in Hardin County at (270) 351-6032, our Louisville Office in Jefferson County at (502) 964-1968), or toll-free at 1-800-754-HELP to schedule a free consultation with an accident attorney. You may also contact our office through our convenient online contact form.
Image credit: w.marsh