Safe Driving Habits for Extreme Winter Conditions in Illinois

January 15, 2013

This winter, the U.S. has already endured some severe weather conditions across the Midwest. Parts of Illinois experienced the season's first major snow storm near the end of December 2012. Winter is finally here and Illinois State Police are urging motorists to take necessary safety precautions to avoid car accidents.

Ice and snow can affect driving conditions. For this reason, state authorities encourage motorists to be careful and to allow extra travel time to get around. To ensure that you are taking proper measures, you should follow safe driving habits this winter:
- Drive at slower speeds and be alert for hazards such as black ice.
- Travel with plenty of fuel in your tank and store extra warm clothes in your vehicle. If you are stuck or stranded, you may have to wait around for assistance. Such precautions will help keep you warm.
- Watch out for blowing and drifting snow, which could impair your vision.
- In poor driving conditions, turn on your headlights or parking lights. This will help make you visible to other motorists.
- Ensure your windows are free of snow and ice. Take time to clear snow off the roof of your car. It could block your vision if it slides loose en route.
- Triple your normal braking distance from vehicles in front of you. You do not want to rely too much on your brakes when you need to stop. This could cause you to slide into the person ahead.
- Bends are very dangerous in icy conditions; slow down as you approach a turn. By the time you reach the curve, you will be moving at a reduced and safer speed.
- Consider staying home if you do not have to be out on the roads.

These are just some preventative tips that can help keep you and your family safe during the season. However, in the event that an accident does occur, it is best to keep aware of your surroundings and know where you are as you travel. This will help you inform local safety services of your location if an emergency occurs.

Also, if you break down or have to pull over after a highway accident, you may want to leave your vehicle and stand out of the roadway. Do not stand in front of your car in the event another vehicle collides with it. Keep a safe distance from the road until assistance arrives.

When fearless drivers battle extreme winter weather, winter often wins. For this reason, think twice before you go out on snowy or icy roads. If you are unsure about potential weather conditions, look to your local media for additional information on road conditions or closings.

If you have been injured by a careless or negligent driver, contact an experienced personal law attorney today as you may be entitled to compensation for medical care for the injuries that you have sustained.

Article provided by Cogan & McNabola, P.C.
Visit us at www.mcnabolalaw.com