During extreme weather conditions, it is important to follow certain safety guidelines in order to have a safe trip. Snow can cause the roads to become slippery, and losing control of the vehicle is easier than ever, especially if ice is formed.
If you find yourself driving on the snowy road, here are the things you should know.
Slowly and With Patience
From the moment you start your vehicle, you need to be aware that the snow changes the traction for your tires, and if you accelerate too quickly, your tires will probably end up spinning in place. In order to start moving, you have to accelerate slowly until you have reached a certain speed and move on from there.
The same goes for decelerating. If you hit the brakes instantly, the chances are that you are going to slide for a few meters, depending on the speed. If there is a vehicle in front of you, you will cause an accident.
For that reason, it is extremely important to keep a safe distance and drive slowly in order to be able to pull over safely if the situation requires it. If you do end up in an accident, consult with car crash attorneys in Los Angeles and seek their legal help and counseling.
Create Space
It is important to keep your distance on the road. The normal “3 to four seconds of distance” should be converted to 8 or 9 seconds. You want to create enough space for the other vehicle to slow down or completely stop if necessary, and for you to be able to do the same. Keep an eye on the road, and even if the snow impairs your vision, watch for the tail lights of the vehicle in front of you. If they start flashing red, it is a sing for you to slow down.
Don’t Stop!
If you are by any chance of going up the hill, remember that if you stop, you may cause a traffic jam or even an accident. The only way to keep moving is to constantly hold the gas pedal. Keep your speed, and try and apply more power in order to keep the vehicle moving. Remember that too much power means less traction. It is up that you want to be going, not backward. Be extremely careful when driving up the hill.
If you can, create some sort of inertia before you reach the hill. When at the top, start slowing down and reduce your speed before going down the hill.
Staying At Home Is An Option
If you don’t feel confident in your driving skills or in your car’s current maintenance level, stay at home. Better to be safe than sorry. However, if you decide to go for a ride and end up in an accident, your best option is to hire a legal representative. Contact Los Angeles car accident lawyers immediately, and let them help you deal with the legal aspect of the accident.
COMMENTS