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Best Practices to Avoid a Car Accident
With temperatures dropping into the negatives, it’s time to break out your warmest boots and heaviest coats. Both snow and black ice on our roadways make driving treacherous. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 21% of car accidents are weather related. The Illinois Hammer Injury Law Firm wants you to stay safe. We have prepared some tips to help you drive as safely as possible and avoid a car accident, as well as what to do if you are a victim of one.
1) Keep Up with Your Car Maintenance
No matter the season, ensuring car maintenance upkeep can be a simple way to avoid a car accident or any unexpected hiccups when it comes to driving. A great starting point to ensure that you stay safe while driving is checking your tires seasonally. Ask your mechanic about snow tires. If you don’t want snow tires, consider all-season tires that are regularly inspected. Additionally, as you get your tires checked, this is a great time to check in about a standard maintenance routine for your vehicle. Preparedness can be the key to avoid a car accident, and it can save lives.
2) Stock Your Car with Supplies
Driving in Illinois can require tools and supplies, specifically for the snow and ice. First, snow and ice buildup can block a driver’s view on the road. Invest in an ice scraper to place in your in your car or your trunk to make sure you can scrape ice and snow when needed.
Secondly, temperatures are often below freezing. Every driver should keep a blanket, jacket, gloves, a hat, and hand warmers in their car in case of an emergency. There are circumstances where a car accident requires you to turn off your car for safety, which means no heating. Having these items in your car could keep you from freezing.
3) Increase Following Distances
In dry driving conditions it is recommended to stay about 500 feet or three to four seconds of travel time behind the driver ahead of them. Driving conditions during Illinois’ winter months are slippery. To avoid a car accident, double your following distance to make sure you have adequate time to come to a safe and slow stop without skidding. If another driver is driving too closely behind you, try to allow them extra space to safely pass you.
4) Apply Gas and Brakes Slowly
To build off of number three, avoiding sudden stops while driving in winter conditions is a key to safety and a preventative of skidding. If you are normally a heavy-braker or heavy-footed on the gas, remind yourself to gradually apply pressure to your brake pedal or gas, to slowly decrease or increase speed.
5) Stay Calm, Considerate, and Careful
As you prepare to take any trips in your vehicle this winter or in any season, remind yourself to stay calm, considerate, and careful when driving. Everyone wants to make it to their destination safely and avoid a car accident. You can play an active role in being cautious to help other drivers. Don’t tailgate or be confrontational. It’s easy to forget that each driver is a person that wants the same things you want: to be safe.
I Got in a Car Accident, Now What?
The reality is, even if you your car is well maintained, you try your best to avoid accidents, and use caution, car accidents in Illinois still happen daily. The Illinois Hammer Injury Law Firm, Dworkin and Maciariello, is here to help you after a car accident in Illinois. Our attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the claims process after a car accident, and we want to fight for the compensation that you deserve.
Car accidents are overwhelming. From working with insurance companies, car repairs, healing from injuries, and paying bills, there is a lot to be done. Our car accident attorneys at The Illinois Hammer Injury Law Firm want to help you take the best steps towards recovery. We will deal with the insurance company so that you can focus on your recovery.
Call Us Today
If you have been injured because of a car accident in Illinois, don’t hesitate to contact The Illinois Hammer Injury Law Firm today. Call us at 888-4-HAMMER for a free case consultation.
