5 Tips for Driving on Icy Roads

Driving on icy roads is commonplace in Georgia during the winter months. Unfortunately, ice makes the roads more dangerous than usual.

If you are involved in an accident on icy roads caused by another party, 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 tips to help you stay safe and avoid an accident while on icy roads this winter.

1. Go Slow and Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Usually, you will be more alert when you are traveling over snow; 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 any black ice under the snow until you spin out of control.

Because of the dangers icy roads present, it is necessary that you go slow when ice is present. You should also stay aware of your surroundings, so you will know if ice is present.

2. Put More Distance Between You and Other Vehicles on the Road

According to some studies, it can take up to 10 times longer to stop if you are driving on an ice-covered road. Because of this, you must ensure you have a buffer between you and the car ahead of you. Try to leave a minimum of 20 seconds between you and other vehicles.

You should also be ready if the car ahead of you suddenly stops. Do you know how you would handle this type of situation? If not, figure it out before you get behind the wheel.

Giving yourself more distance and time to get to your destination can help you avoid a potentially serious accident. You should also provide even more time and distance when you are going downhill on an icy road.

3. Know the Proper Steps to Take if Issues Arise

Ice will result in your vehicle’s behavior being inconsistent. If you are sliding, it can be difficult to regain control. Because of this, you must know what to expect and how to respond to issues.

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 (anti lock 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 too fast over an 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 to pull over 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 to take on icy roads without considering the consequences. 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 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 on the roads, but if another car gets too close to you and slips, 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. Be sure to check that your tire treads have at least three millimeters of depth before going out. Be sure that you have an emergency roadside kit along with you and plenty of gas just in case you get stuck somewhere.

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, 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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