Everyone knows that snowy conditions create many more accidents than usual (more than 1.5 million crashes a year are due to adverse weather). What most people don't realize is that their normal good driving skills on dry roads may be a big part of the problem. The answer is so simple, many people never even think of it.
You see, in normal conditions a good driver needs to be ready to brake quickly, turn quickly, and possibly even accelerate quickly to avoid dangers from other drivers. Many drivers have mastered these skills and are confident driving the roadways of Pennsylvania and New Jersey in clear weather.
So when it snows, why do we suddenly see crazy accidents?
You see, in normal conditions a good driver needs to be ready to brake quickly, turn quickly, and possibly even accelerate quickly to avoid dangers from other drivers. Many drivers have mastered these skills and are confident driving the roadways of Pennsylvania and New Jersey in clear weather.
So when it snows, why do we suddenly see crazy accidents?
The reason, of course, is that all of our usual good driving skills on dry roads turn into very bad driving skills on slippery roads. Take a look at a list of driving tips for snowy roads, by AAA:
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly
- Take turns very slowly and take as wide a turn as possible
- Maintain a steady, slow speed (downshift if needed)
- Keep a very large following distance from cars in front of you
As you can see, the ability to stop or turn quickly doesn't help a driver on a slippery road. The driver is best served by doing all those things slowly. In fact, a good snow driver is one who pretends that they have fewer skills and therefore applies the highest amount of caution and safety techniques. The slightest turn or braking will leave drivers skidding out of control. Even the best drivers can't steer a car through a turn while it is sliding out of control on snow.
Always be sure to prepare your winter car survival kit and clear the snow properly from your vehicle before heading out. If you can, try to avoid travel entirely. Our office has handled many injury claims from car accidents caused by drivers who do not drive safely in wintry weather. If you have been injured in such an accident, be sure to contact us right away.
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly
- Take turns very slowly and take as wide a turn as possible
- Maintain a steady, slow speed (downshift if needed)
- Keep a very large following distance from cars in front of you
As you can see, the ability to stop or turn quickly doesn't help a driver on a slippery road. The driver is best served by doing all those things slowly. In fact, a good snow driver is one who pretends that they have fewer skills and therefore applies the highest amount of caution and safety techniques. The slightest turn or braking will leave drivers skidding out of control. Even the best drivers can't steer a car through a turn while it is sliding out of control on snow.
Always be sure to prepare your winter car survival kit and clear the snow properly from your vehicle before heading out. If you can, try to avoid travel entirely. Our office has handled many injury claims from car accidents caused by drivers who do not drive safely in wintry weather. If you have been injured in such an accident, be sure to contact us right away.
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