While many residents of Texas do not mind the lack of snow the state gets compared to the rest of the country, winter conditions can pose all kinds of driving hazards. Rainfall late one evening can easily turn into ice the following morning, and people can be skidding all over the roads.
As we head into another winter season, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) both offer some good tips people should keep in mind. Begin taking steps now to prepare yourself in case you happen to be involved in an emergency situation.
How You Can Drive Safely This Winter
Here are some basic tips that all drivers should keep in mind this winter:
- Prepare Early — Make sure your motor vehicle is ready before the road conditions change. Check your battery, antifreeze, and headlights, make sure your tires and treads are in good shape, and also get a review of your brakes.
- Slow Down — Remember that most of the speed limits posted in Texas are assuming regular road conditions. When roads are wet or icy, you need to drive less than the speed limit to ensure safety and reduce the risk of a rear-end accident.
- More Following Distance — Keeping in mind the dangers of rear-end collisions, you want to be sure that you are giving yourself adequate time to stop if the driver in front of you stops suddenly. Try to use a three-second following distance in inclement weather instead of the standard two.
- Have Emergency Kit Ready — You will want to have some kind of kit containing items such as jumper cables, phone chargers, blankets, and other goods ready.
- Know How to Handle Slides — If you feel your vehicle skidding, take your foot off the gas and brakes. Steer into the direction you are skidding from until you can regain traction and then straighten the vehicle.
Contact a Houston, TX Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you happen to suffer injuries or your loved one is killed in an automobile accident caused by inclement weather in the Houston area, you will want to make sure you are working with a Harris County car accident attorney at Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec. Our firm understands how to conduct independent investigations in these cases to prove negligence and help people recover as much financial compensation as possible.
We understand how confusing every aspect of recovery can be for people in these circumstances, and our firm works closely with every client we serve so they are able to get answers to all of their questions and the best guidance about moving forward. Call 281-643-2000 or contact us online today to set up a free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.txdot.gov/safety/severe-weather/snow-and-ice.html
https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/five-tips-for-winter-driving.html
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