December 12, 2022
Auto Accident

The holiday season is one of the happiest times of the year. It is a time to strengthen bonds with those we love and visit family and friends we’ve missed all year. However, the holiday season is a time of added risk on the roads, from drunk and tired drivers to dangerous winter weather.

If you are the victim of a car accident this holiday season, contact the car accident lawyers in Montgomery at The Vance Law Firm. We can help you understand your legal rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Stay safe during the holidays and familiarize yourself with tips for handling icy roads if you plan to travel out of town.

The Dangers of Holiday Travel

Over the past six years, an average of 3,216 Americans died in December car collisions. Around Christmas and New Year’s, drunk driving spikes, increasing the risk of holiday driving. Combined with holiday stress, fatigue from driving long distances, and icy conditions, more people die in car accidents this time of year than in any other month.

If you are used to driving on Alabama roads in the winter, you may need to shift driving techniques when you travel to a colder or snowier part of the country this holiday season. 24% of all weather-related car crashes in the United States each year are caused by driving in snowy or slushy conditions.

Driving conditions are radically different in snow and ice, and the best way to drive safely is to prepare in advance.

How to Handle Icy Roads

Though driving in the snow and ice can be more dangerous than usual, you can take steps to drive as safely as possible and lower your risk of an accident. These steps include winterizing your car and implementing safe driving techniques.

  • Winterize Your Car in Advance

Prepare your vehicle before winter starts. Take your car to a mechanic to ensure it is in top working condition, paying particular attention to whether its fluids, battery, and tires are ready for the winter. Pack an emergency kit in your car with blankets, an ice scraper, snacks, and drinking water in case you get stuck in the snow.

  • Reduce Your Speed When Driving in Snow and Ice

When driving in the snow and ice, double the following distance between your vehicle and the car in front and go slower than the posted speed limit. Drive in lower gears to give you more torque and traction with slush or ice on the ground.

If your car has a winter mode, engage it. Test the road conditions before you drive and err on the side of driving slowly and cautiously.

  • Focus on the Road

Many people travel long distances by car around the holiday season. Long journeys on the road can lead to fatigue and highway hypnosis, increasing the likelihood of an accident due to poor reaction time or falling asleep at the wheel.

If you feel your attention slipping, take a 15-minute rest break, and if you are still fatigued, stop driving for the day.

Additionally, minimize distractions in the car, such as electronics, food, or noise. Nine

drivers per day are killed in car accidents caused by distracted drivers.

  • Brake Gradually

When you brake in snowy weather, apply pressure gradually to prevent the tires from locking up and sliding. If you have anti-lock brakes, keep your foot on the pedal and avoid pumping them. The ABS will regulate the brake pressure to prevent you from skidding on visible or black ice.

Tips for Maintaining Your Car During the Winter

You can take steps during cold conditions to prepare your car for the elements. Winter maintenance includes changing your tires, winterizing your fluids, and driving with a full tank of gas.

  • Service Your Car for Winter Conditions

Schedule a visit to a trusted mechanic and get your car serviced before winter. They can help you choose the right fluids and preventative maintenance steps to get your car ready.

For example, your mechanic can put the right mix of antifreeze and water in the radiator or reservoir to prevent freezing. They can also check your tire tread and change the oil so your vehicle functions at peak performance.

  • Switch to Winter Tires

Tires are possibly the most crucial equipment on your car in the winter. Have all-weather or winter tires installed on your vehicle before going out of town. Ensure your tires have at least 5/32 or 6/32 of an inch tread before driving in icy and snowy conditions.

  • Install Winter Wipers

Winter wipers are made of a special heavy silicone-based rubber that prevents ice from forming on the blade. These blades are effective at removing snow and ice due to their heavier construction, making them ideal for driving in snowstorms or icy weather.

  • Keep the Gas Tank at Least Half Full

Aim to keep your gas tank at least half full when driving in the winter. Gasoline stops condensation and ensures the air pump cools the car effectively. This is vital in the winter when ice can cause corrosion or freeze fuel lines, preventing fuel from reaching your engine and causing you to stall out.

A full gas tank can also help you maintain traction on the road. A full to half-full fuel tank adds extra pounds to your car and helps your tires grip the asphalt. Keep your tank at least half full all winter, and consider adding a few sandbags over your rear tires if you find them slipping as you drive.

Get the Compensation You Deserve with The Vance Law Firm

If you have been in a winter-related car accident that’s not your fault, contact The Vance Law Firm to get the legal representation you need. We help collision victims seek a fair settlement to help pay for medical bills and accident-related expenses incurred in a crash.

Our experienced team will fight hard for you to ensure you get the maximum compensation possible. Contact our law firm today to get in touch with one of our attorneys for a free case review.

Related Articles

January 29, 2024
Auto Accident
Obtaining financial compensation for car accident damages in Alabama requires proving the other party’s fault and liability. You or your Montgomery car accident lawyer must present evidence, such as eyewitnesses or expert testimony, to establish the defendant’s negligence. The defendant will also have the opportunity to use various defense strategies. Being well-prepared for the potential […]
View Article
January 15, 2024
Auto Accident
The rideshare industry has transformed transportation in Alabama, with services like Uber and Lyft becoming widely recognized for their convenience and affordability in getting people from place to place. But as ridesharing grows, with 36% of Americans using ridesharing services, so does the frequency of related accidents. Given that regulations for ride-sharing apps are relatively […]
View Article
December 26, 2023
Auto Accident
New Year’s Eve is a time of festivity and reflection as people come together to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. But it’s also a night when the temptation to drink and drive can escalate, posing increased risks on Alabama’s roads. While enjoying the night’s celebrations, it’s crucial to be […]
View Article
The Vance Law Firm