Winters arrive every year, and the number of car accidents on the road increases each year rapidly. The cold months are infamous for causing accidents due to low visibility, slippery roads, and other factors. Fortunately, there are ways you can lower the risk of an accident using preventative measures. By being proactive, you can save your and other people’s lives.
While this does not guarantee that you won’t be in a car accident, winter tires can effectively keep you safer than regular tires you use during the summer. Because the roads are more wet and slippery during winter, your vehicle needs special tires to provide extra safety. If you have been in a slippery car accident, speak to an experienced car accident lawyer immediately.
What makes winter tires different from regular tires?
The differences between regular tires and winter tires may be difficult to see when you are standing in the shop purchasing them. Since they look almost the same, you may even consider canceling the purchase. However, this is a common mistake people with less knowledge of tires make. There are a few critical differences between the two, including:
- Regular tires have narrow treads, which work to protect your vehicle in the rain. However, you need tires with spaced treads to get better traction in the snow. Winter tires have more spaced treads.
- Regular tires use regular rubber, which becomes brittle and stiff in cold weather. However, winter tires have specialized rubber that remains flexible in the snow.
- Winter tires have splits in them, called sipes, which provide some extra grip in the snow.
What to do if you skid
Even the most experienced drivers are likely to experience some slipping on the icy roads of the winter. This is a dangerous situation, and it is important to know the right steps to take when this happens. Remain calm and follow the steps below:
- Do not hit the brakes suddenly or aggressively turn your car in another direction.
- Look in the direction you want to go.
- Make small and controlled movements on the steering wheel.
- Straighten your wheel and steer gently.
Prepare an emergency kit in your car for the winter
It is easy to get stuck in the snow during the winter. To avoid dangerous situations, have an emergency kit prepared in your car.
While you can include anything, these are the basic items you should not forget.
- First Aid Kit
- Cat Litter (or Traction Mats)
- Booster Cables
- Windshield Washer Fluid
- Water and snacks
- A Blanket
- Flashlights or Roadside Flares
- Small Shovel
- Ice scraper