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Important Tips For Driving During Icy Road Conditions

This is common sense, but the easiest way to prevent a car accident while the roads are icy is to not drive. If you have to cancel that important work meeting or postpone that long-awaited vacation, consider remaining at home when the weather is terrible or if the weather is expected to worsen. Unfortunately, this isn’t an option for some. You may need to get to work or head out for essential supplies or groceries. Sometimes, you can’ help it, you have to drive during icy conditions.

We offer a number of basic recommendations you can follow for reducing your risk of an accident while driving on icy roads or in the snow. First, you should take a look at the owner’s manual of your vehicle for specific recommendations or notifications, as well as information relevant to your vehicle.

Driving during less than ideal conditions is common in places like New York and New Jersey throughout the winter. If you were in an unavoidable incident, call New Jersey car crash injury lawyers or NYC car crash injury lawyers to explore your case. A lawyer can assist you throughout the process and ensure that you obtain the money you are entitled to.

Driving on Icy Roads Tips

– Make sure you have the necessary tires for the winter season and make sure they are filled with the correct air pressure. If you live in an area that warrants it, winter tires are well worth the investment, particularly if you expect to drive on icy roadways. There is a difference between tires made specifically for the winter season and tires called “all-season”.

– Snow chains should be stored in your vehicle throughout the winter and should be used when it is required.

– Just because you have a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle, don’t assume it is enough. Drive with caution, as even with this option, there is still the risk of sliding or losing traction. This even goes for winter tires.

Do Not Floor It

– Be careful with both the gas and brakes during icy conditions. Doing so will decrease your chances of crashing your car or hurting yourself if you begin to slide.

– Slowly accelerate and brake at all times.

– Ensure your following distance is greater than usual. It takes as much as 10 times the stopping distance you are accustomed to during regular road conditions.

– Passing other cars is a no-no. If someone attempts to overtake you, slowly turn toward the shoulder and give them as much space as possible for them to safely pass.

How Can You Tell If The Road Is Iced Over?

– Never rely just on your car’s temperature reading to determine how slick the road is. The temperature of the air heats up faster than the temperature of the pavement. Even if the temperature outside is above freezing temps, the road may still be black ice. You may notice ice on your windshield wipers, signs or even the trees. Be aware of other factors in this regard.

– When there are freezing temperatures outside, do your best to not drive at night or during the early morning, as this is will it will be the coldest.

– It’s not always possible to notice ice on the road. When you hear the term “black ice”, it refers to a thin layer of ice that may appear to be water on the road. Always keep an eye out for other signs that there may be icing on the roads ahead.

– Icing will hit bridges or highway overpasses first, because there is no insulation like asphalt has from the ground below. You must be the most cautious when driving across them.

– Be cautious while driving to higher elevations. While driving through mountain stretches of highway, you may run into icy patches of road that are shaded from the mountainside or trees.

– Turn on the defroster to high if you see either rain or snow. You do not want ice to adhere to your windshield, as this could make for a dangerous drive. Make sure to scrape off the ice as soon as possible if this does happen.