California is a large state that has both mountains and deserts with all kinds of weather and temperature.

What does driving in cold temperature, slippery roads, snow, and black ice have in common?  All these pose potentially fatal threats when driving a car around in cold weather, particularly the winter, especially in the colder states.

Winter officially started less than a month ago.  And with the number of weather-related car accidents and personal injuries from these accidents, it is important that all car drivers are aware of the ways to prepare their automobile for a safer winter drive.  Our car accident lawyers take the safety of all drivers and passengers on the road as our first priority.

Below, we list some safe driving tips that may help prevent winter car accidents:

  1. Get a winter check-up.  Getting your tires, brakes, lights, windshield wipers, battery, and anti-freeze checked before the weather gets cold can save you time, money, and inconvenience.
  2. Get snow tires or tire chains (if necessary) so your tires do not blow out.  Advances in car and all-season tire technology have made snow tires less important in many cases, but there are still some instances when you should consider investing in snow tires, for instance:
    • If you are a skier and head to ski country often
    • If you use your vehicle for work and have to drive often in snowy conditions
    • If you live or travel to the northern states such as Maine and Vermont.  These areas typically get more snow during the winter.
  3. Get a 4 wheel drive equipped to drive in the snow.
  4. Keep your windows clean and clear.  Check your window washing fluid and windshield wipers.  Try to leave a few extra minutes to clean your windows before you start driving.  If your windshield is covered with ice or snow (such as after a snow storm), be sure to take plenty of time clear it off as much as possible without scratching the windshield.  Using a special device to clear the windshield (without scrating it) of ice is probably a good idea .   This means, leave for all destinations well ahead of time.  Meaning, do not be in a hurry; instead, please take your time driving.
  5. Remove all excess snow from your car.  Snow falling from your car can be a hazard to you and other drivers.   If snow has piled up on your roof or trunk be sure to brush it off as much as possible before you drive your car.
  6. Always keep an ice scraper and small shovel in your trunk so you are prepared for the worst.
  7. Drive slow and maintain a safe distance between other cars.  In the wintertime, stopping is often the hardest part of driving, let alone steering a car.  Learn to manage your anti-lock brakes.  If you lose control of the car and start skidding, and your car has an anti-lock brake system, apply steady pressure to the brakes and turn in the direction of the skid.  This should stabilize the car.
  8. If it is unsafe to drive, pull over and stop.  If possible, park your car underground.
  9. Check with state and local authorities for more advice and information.  For example, check with the California Highway Patrol for safely information about driving a car in snow and wet weather.

Our firm’s experienced car accident lawyers believe that following the aforementioned tips may help prevent car accidents due to winter weather.  This could potentially save the lives of many car drivers and passengers on the road.  Follow these and make sure to back yourself up with the best car insurance policy in the event of an accident.


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