How to Prevent a Car Accident in the Winter

Whether you are driving this time of year in Ann Arbor, Chicago, or Perrysburg, Old Man Winter is not always kind. As the Level 1-3 snow emergencies take affect, sometimes driving in this weather cannot be avoided. It’s important to take precautions to insure safe driving. Here are some tips.

Brush all the snow off from your car, including the roof

While we may be in a hurry to get to our destination, not properly cleaning your car off can not only affect your own visibility but other drivers as well.  Snow not properly cleaned off of your vehicle, when falling off, can impair visibility to you and those around you.

Avoid Tailgating

Driving defensively is more important than ever. Give your fellow drivers plenty of room to allow them proper time to stop. And you never know what the person in front of you is thinking, so it’s best to use caution.

Allow Yourself the Proper Time to Get to Your Destination

Often times we have in our heads a time it will take to get from Point A to Point B. When you see a snow emergency for your county, our recommendation is double your normal commute time. That extra time allows you time for setbacks such as accidents and overall slow-moving traffic. The more time you have, the calmer you will likely feel about having to get to your destination while reduces the possibility of time cutting mistakes.

Use Extra Caution Around Curves and Bridges

When it’s freezing or near freezing be extra careful on bridges, overpasses, and streets shaded by trees or buildings. These areas tend to freeze before the rest of the roadway and they’re the last to thaw out. If it’s icy and you approach a curve, slow down before you get to the curve. If you suddenly slow down or speed up while turning, you will go into a skid.