Use These Tips To Avoid A New Haven Auto Accident When On Icy Roads

January 8, 2025
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We are now in full winter mode around here and one of the trickiest things to do, especially in Southern Connecticut is to navigate icy roads. Probably more so than snowy roads, icy roads are a problem given the winter conditions that we see most often in our area. You might be able to debate which weather condition is harder to drive safely in, but both can be quite treacherous and can equally lead to a New Haven auto accident if you don’t take them seriously.

The first thing and maybe the most important thing you should keep in mind is that you will want to make sure your car is maintained properly before you head out in any weather condition. This is especially true in the uncertain road conditions that are caused by icy weather. There are a couple of things you will want to make sure you check when the weather is going to present challenges while driving.

Tire pressure is important, no matter the weather conditions, but especially in the winter months. Your tire pressure has a tendency to drop with the temperature outside and if you are driving around on under inflated tires you could be putting yourself at risk. You will want to make sure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s suggested pounds per square inch (PSI) before you hit the road.

When you’re thinking about driving in icy conditions you will also want to make sure your lights are working properly. Often icy conditions can come with foggy or gray conditions that can make visibility an issue. By making sure your headlights and tail lights are working properly you will protecting yourself against low visibility. While you’re checking your lights, you will also want to make sure your turn signals are operating effectively. This will allow you to be seen while you’re driving and help avoid issues with other traffic that may be on the road.

Once you’ve performed these two safety checks on your vehicle it’s time to get driving and there are some things you should know about how to drive safely in icy conditions. Icy conditions can be hard to navigate, but if you follow these steps you will be putting yourself in a much better position to arrive at your destination safely.

1.) Slow down. This is critical in any type of weather condition, but especially when you are facing roads that are covered with ice. If you are traveling at your normal speed or even the speed limit you may be putting yourself at greater risk of getting into an accident. Slowing down will allow you to navigate the weather conditions safely and will allow you to limit the dangers that the ice presents.

2.) Keep your distance from other vehicles you are sharing the road with. Your following distance may become an issue if you are only keeping one or two car lengths between you and the traffic that is on the road with you. The safest distance between you and other vehicles when the roads are icy may be as much as six to ten car lengths behind the other vehicles. This, of course, depends on the severity of the weather conditions and you should use your best judgement.

3.) Keep your steering smooth. Depending on what type of driver you are under normal conditions you may need to adjust your driving style to match the road conditions. If you are generally someone who is a little bit stiff with your steering you may need to smooth it out during icy conditions. Any sudden, herky jerky movements when driving can cause you serious issues with the weather on the road. If you keep a good speed and are steering smoothly you will be able to minimize your risk.

Icy conditions do not have to lead to a New Haven auto accident, in fact you can take a number of the steps described above and be well on your way to keeping yourself and your passengers safe. One of the most important things you can do is to be aware of the weather conditions and if they get too bad try to postpone your trip as long as you can until your city or state has the opportunity to treat the roads and reduce the danger that the weather conditions present. If you can, you should, stay home and wait for the weather to pass.

If you get into an auto accident you may need to speak to an experienced attorney. Whether the incident was affected by the weather or not, an experienced attorney can help guide you to the best resolution for your situation. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.