The winter months are officially upon us here in Georgia so we thought we would share some great tips on how to avoid car accidents out on the roadways.
Start with the condition of your car:
According to the American Safety Council, you should "Schedule a maintenance check-up for your vehicle's tires and tire pressure, battery, belts and hoses, radiator, oil, lights, brakes, exhaust system, heater/defroster, wipers and ignition system."
Tire pressure typically will be lower in the winter and higher in the summer. Check your tire pressure consistently throughout the winter season to insure they are at recommended levels for your make and model of tire.
While you are driving:
Slow Down - This goes without saying, but it is vitally important not to speed when the road is wet or even icy. This will allow you enough time to slow down and stop. Even if you are in a hurry, take caution and drive slower than normal. It is also advised to not use cruise control when in these conditions.
Understand Your Brakes - If you find yourself stopping on the ice, you should know what type of brakes are on your car. If the car has standard brakes, you should lightly pump the brakes until the car stops. If you have anti-lock brakes, you should not pump the brakes, but rather, apply steady pressure on the brake as you come to a stop.
Lights On - Even if it is the middle of the day, you should keep your lights on if there is inclement weather, especially if it is raining or snowing.
Low Gears - If you keep your car in low gear you will be able to handle the car with more control and have better traction on the ground.
Skidding - If you start skidding you will want to take your foot off the gas. If your back wheels are skidding, turn the wheel of the car in the direction you want the car to go. Alternately, if the front wheels skid, put the car in neutral and don't move the wheel until the car gains traction, then you can steer the direction you want to go and put the car back in drive.
We hope these tips can help you avoid having a bad car accident during the winter months around Atlanta, Georgia. Please also be aware that many car wrecks out on the roads will be due to negligence, distracted driving, drunk driving or drug related driving scenarios.
We hope you never have to deal with being involved in a car wreck of this nature, but if you do, please do not hesitate to call Gary Martin Hays, Personal Injury Lawyer.
If you've been injured, call the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates. Call 1-800-898-HAYS for a free consultation.