November 13^th brought snow and sleet to Memphis – and that weather has been named the reason for about dozens of car crashes, some of which proved fatal. This storm may have been a fluke, but if the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that weather can change in the blink of an eye. Being prepared for storms can help keep you and your family members safe this winter.

What do I do if the weather turns bad?

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself while driving in bad weather. You may not always be able to avoid an accident – like being rear-ended by a skidding car – but these tips can cut down your risk and help you avoid a serious crash with another driver, a truck or a pedestrian.

1. Check your tires. Underinflated or damaged tires are a leading cause of accidents in regular weather: add them to sleet or black ice and you’re asking for trouble. Make sure your tires are full and you have enough tread on the wheels. Most tires are only good for around 40,000 miles (on average – trucks, for example, are about half of that), and they need to be rotated and aligned regularly.
2. Fill your tank. Running out of gas while stuck in blistering cold weather is a dangerous situation. Make sure your tank is always at least half-full during storm season. (It also helps the car, so you’re saving money on maintenance and repairs, too.)
3. Keep extra windshield fluid in the car. Storms decrease your visibility; driving around in a storm with a muddy, slushy or streaking windshield can lead to an accident. If you do run out, pull over to a safe spot and fill it up.
4. Keep your hands on the wheel. If you begin to skid, use both hands to reposition your wheel. If you count the rotations of the steering wheel, you’ll be able to tell where your wheels are pointing.
5. Be aware of bridges. Bridges freeze faster than regular roadways. That means your chances of skidding or sliding on a bridge are high even when there’s no ice on the road before it.
6. Charge your cell phone – and then turn it off. Texting and driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Turn your cell phone off while you’re driving in bad weather so that you’re not distracted (or tempted) by it. Make sure it’s fully charged, though, in case you need to call the police or an ambulance if you get into an accident.
7. Don’t be afraid to go slow. Even speed limits can be unsafe in bad weather. Stick to the right lane and drive at a speed that’s comfortable to you. If you’re going 10 mph or more below the speed limit, turn on your four-ways; it’ll help alert drivers to your presence.

Keep your lights on, your seatbelt fastened and your eyes open for reckless drivers or large puddles and snowbanks, and you’re on the right track to making yourself and the road safer.

 

For more winter weather driving tips, or to speak to an attorney after a car crash, contact Banks and Jones