The winter snow in Pennsylvania can be intense. When a storm hits, it makes driving very difficult. There are many accidents every year, including pileup crashes involving dozens of vehicles.
Perhaps the best safety tip is to only drive if you have to. Don’t take extra trips in snowy weather; wait for better conditions. However, you may often have no choice but to drive, such as when you have to commute to work, so it’s important to know how to do so safely. Here are some safety tips that can help:
Stay off the brakes
First and foremost, aggressively braking on slick roads just causes you to lose control. Instead, try to slow down gradually and maintain traction.
Increase your following distance
On dry roads, a following distance of 3 to 4 seconds is usually safe. But on icy or snowy roads, it’s often better to increase this, with some suggesting a following distance of 7 to 9 seconds. The extra space allows you to stop safely in an emergency.
Make gentle maneuvers
If you need to change lanes or turn onto a side street, focus on steady and gentle maneuvers. Reduce your speed well in advance of a turn, rather than hitting the brakes as you turn, which could cause your car to spin.
Stay focused on the road
If you’re distracted by your cellphone, GPS or a passenger in the car, you’re at greater risk in winter weather because it’s harder to stop quickly. Always stay focused on the road so you can see any upcoming hazards or changes in traffic conditions.
These tips can help you drive safely, but you could still be injured if another driver causes an accident. Make sure you know how to seek financial compensation.