Brian White | March 7, 2023 | Car Accidents
Climate change has brought about dangerous alterations in weather patterns, often resulting in slippery roads and adverse conditions at different times of the year. For this reason, it’s more important than ever for drivers to be prepared for driving in dangerous conditions.
Understanding how to safely navigate your vehicle in treacherous weather is imperative to protecting yourself and others on the road.
The state of Texas is one area that has been hit significantly by climate change. One of the results of this change is consistently slippery roads. The roads are made even more dangerous as people hurry along, speeding through the adverse conditions without the knowledge of how to safely operate their vehicles.
To help you avoid falling victim to these circumstances, here are 10 safety tips for driving on Texas’ slippery roads.
1. Check Your Tire Pressure and Tread
If you are driving on slippery roads, you will want to monitor your tire pressure regularly. Make sure to check the guidelines that are applicable to your tires and follow all directions. It’s always wise to keep a tire pressure gauge somewhere in your vehicle.
When you pull over to check your tire pressure, make sure you do so in a safe, well-lit spot. The last thing you need after dealing with awful weather and dimly lit conditions is more danger.
Most gas stations will have air pumps. However, some places charge to use their pumps, so make sure that you have some loose change or a credit card.
2. Make Sure That Your Windshield Wipers, Headlights, and Tail Lights Are Operating Properly
When it comes to vehicles, a simple check goes a long way. Your car is equipped with a wealth of safety features designed to prolong your life and help you avoid injury in the event of a crash.
You never want to discover that one of these features is inoperable while you’re driving on a slippery road. If you check these features prior to driving, you’ll be in a safe place to repair them.
Here are some of the components you should always check before driving:
- Windshield wipers
- Turn signals
- Headlights
- Tail lights
Ensuring that these components are operating as intended makes the roads safer for you and other drivers.
3. Don’t Speed
It may seem obvious, but speeding on a slippery road increases your chances of getting into an accident. That’s because your tires can lose traction in slippery conditions, even if you’re only going 35 miles per hour.
4. Avoid Cruise Control
When you set your cruise control, you need to be able to regain control of the vehicle in the event of an emergency. When driving on slippery roads, switching from cruise control to manual control could be the split-second delay that gets you into an accident. Instead, stay in manual control so that you can respond accordingly.
5. Skid Safely
If you notice your vehicle starting to skid, try not to panic.
Instead, follow these instructions:
- Remove your foot from the accelerator
- Refrain from engaging the brakes
- Steer the vehicle in the direction you want to move
- Refrain from turning the wheel in an aggressive manner
- Pay attention to whether the front wheels are able to grip the road
- Maintain your directionality and follow through with your turn
If you successfully correct the course after skidding, pull over and collect yourself.
6. Maintain Proper Distance
Following too closely on a slippery road will increase your chances of getting into an accident. That’s because slippery roads facilitate longer stopping times, which means that drivers need to be courteous and allow for greater distance between vehicles.
7. Use Your Lights Correctly
If visibility is a problem, turn on your lights so that you can see and others can see you. Try to avoid blinding other drivers with your high beams and using them in situations where they are not absolutely necessary.
8. Wear Your Seat Belt at All Times
It’s no secret that seat belts save lives. Keep yours on at all times while the vehicle is running.
9. Be Ready To Call for Help
Keep contact information for roadside service in your glovebox and in your phone contacts. This will allow you to call a service technician if you need to.
10. Keep Emergency Supplies in Your Vehicle
All vehicles should contain a comprehensive emergency kit that’s stocked with the following items:
- Jumper cables
- Paper towels
- Flashlight
- Blanket
- Flares
Remember, it’s better to have these items and not need them than to need them and not have them.
What To Do If You Have Been in a Car Accident in Houston, TX
If you have been in a car accident, the first thing you need to do is check whether you and the other drivers and passengers are okay. Once you have established that, call the police and take photos of the scene.
The phone call and photos will be important when building a timeline and backing up your version of events should the accident result in litigation.
When the police arrive, they will ask you for your version of the events. Be careful not to admit fault and do not provide more information than necessary. Failure to adhere to this could get you into unintentional trouble. Once the police finish their report, find out how to obtain a copy.
When you’re finished talking to the police, contact a medical professional right away and make sure that they examine you for injuries. Many injuries sustained during an accident won’t be apparent for days or weeks, so getting checked out will establish an injury timeline that will further bolster your claim.
After seeing the doctor, consider calling a qualified Houston personal injury attorney. They will be able to listen to your version of events, examine your evidence, and potentially advocate on your behalf. Many attorneys offer free consultations, so you won’t be charged for your initial appointment.
Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston car accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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Houston, TX 77098
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