Driving on icy roads is commonplace in Georgia during the winter months.
Unfortunately, slippery surfaces make the roads even more dangerous than usual.
If you are involved in an accident because of icy conditions, you may be able to recover compensation.
At the Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines, we are here to help you as your car accident lawyers to ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to.
Here, you can learn some safety tips to help you stay safe and avoid an accident while on slick roads this winter.
1. Go Slow and Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Usually, people are more alert when traveling on snow-covered roads; however, what if there is ice on the road?
When rain or snow freezes, roads can be covered in slick patches that are extremely dangerous but hard to see. Unfortunately, there is no way to see black ice under the snow until you spin out and lose control.
Because bad weather and cold temperatures can be dangerous to the roads, it is necessary to drive slowly in case ice is present underneath the snowy conditions.
You should also stay alert at all times while driving in icy conditions.
2. Put More Distance Between You and Other Vehicles on the Road
Some studies have shown that stopping can take up to ten times longer if you are driving in bad weather conditions.
Because of this, you must ensure you have a buffer between you and the car ahead of you.
Even experienced drivers should try to leave a minimum of 20 seconds between other vehicles.
You should also be ready if the car ahead of you makes any sudden movements.
Do you know how you would handle this type of situation?
If not, figure it out before you get behind the wheel on winter roads.
Giving yourself more distance and time to get to your destination can help you avoid a potentially serious accident.
You should also give yourself even more time and distance when going downhill on an icy roadway so you do not lose complete control of your vehicle.
3. Know the Proper Steps to Take if Issues Arise
Slick surfaces will result in your vehicle’s behavior being inconsistent.
If you are sliding, it can be difficult to regain stability control. Because of this, you must know what to expect and how to respond to dangerous road conditions during adverse weather.
Some tips to help with this include the following:
- Braking. How you stop on a dry road will likely make you slide on an ice road. ABS (antilock brakes) will lock your wheels while you stop. You may not be able to change the direction you are going. Try to steer into a curve, which can help you straighten your vehicle out on the road.
- Fishtailing. Fishtailing occurs when you slide around on the road. It also signifies that you are traveling over the speed limit on the icy road. If this happens, you should lower your speed but avoid slamming your vehicle’s brakes. Make small movements and motions. If you make too big of a turn, it may result in overcorrecting.
- Pulling over. While you may not realize this, it is not always smart on the side of an icy road. If you do this, other drivers, especially if the suspect is in danger or cannot see the lines on the road, may start to slow down, lose control, and hit or slide into another vehicle. If you want to avoid being the cause of a pileup, be sure you keep moving until you find a rest area or parking lot. If you see another driver who may be in trouble, consider calling the authorities.
4. Don’t Get Overly Confident in Your Abilities to Avoid an Accident
Some drivers think they have plenty of experience driving in winter weather and on snowy road surfaces, so they take unnecessary risks in bad winter road conditions.
Unfortunately, ice is often a bigger and more dangerous hazard than snow. Because of this, you must practice defensive driving to avoid being involved in an icy road accident.
You should also understand that other vehicles present a threat. You can’t stop a vehicle out of control on the ice. Because of this, you can be as careful as possible during inclement weather, but if another car gets too close to you and the driver has a loss of vehicle control, it may cause an accident.
5. Properly Equip Your Vehicle for Icy Roads
When you drive on an icy road, your skills and experience matter.
With that in mind, you should avoid driving in bad weather if the tires on your vehicle are worn down or bald.
Before going out in snowy weather, make sure your tire treads are at least three millimeters deep.
Having snow tires is a great option during winter weather.
Be sure to bring a well-stocked emergency kit and plenty of gas, just in case you get stuck.
Steps to Take if You Are Involved in an Accident on Icy Roads
If you are involved in an accident on an icy road in Georgia that was caused by someone else’s negligent actions, you have rights.
One of the first things you need to do is to contact the authorities.
They play an important role in determining liability.
If another party caused your accident, you could file a claim to recover compensation.
At the Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines, we can help you prove the other party was at fault and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
The first step is to contact our office and schedule a free initial consultation.
Our legal team will help you with your case and provide advice and guidance throughout the process.
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