Driving Tips to Avoid Winter Accidents
Being well prepared is the best way to avoid winter accidents. Transport Canada has recently published some driving tips that can help prevent winter accidents and keep you safe this season.
Winter weather brings increased risk of accidents
Bad weather causes slippery conditions and poor visibility, and often leads to accidents. The safest option is to avoid driving unless you really need to travel. In addition to using winter tires, drivers should check the weather and plan their trip carefully, leave extra time to reach their destination, and stick to major roads as much as possible.
The best way to avoid collisions is to drive slowly, in accordance with the weather conditions, and leave extra space between your car, and the vehicle ahead of you. Review these tips about recovering control of your vehicle in case of a skid.
Carry supplies for winter accidents
Try and keep your gas tank at least half full, and dress warmly. Always carry a phone with you that has a full battery. A “winter survival kit” in your trunk is recommended by the Canadian Automobile Association. Depending on how remote your destination, and how far you are traveling, this might include:
- A shovel
- Sand or kitty litter
- First aid supplies
- Warning light or road flares
- Extra clothing or blankets
- Emergency food
- A flashlight, matches, and a “survival” candle in a deep can (to warm hands, heat a drink or use as an emergency light)
- Extra windshield washer fluid
Get experienced personal injury advice following a winter accident
When other drivers do not adjust to winter road conditions, it can lead to accidents and serious personal injuries. At Derfel Injury Law, we advise clients that have been injured in a winter accident. Even if the road conditions were slippery, another driver may have been negligent if they were driving too fast, or following too close, in bad winter weather.
If you were injured in a winter accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, our personal injury lawyers can help you obtain compensation. We can meet clients at convenient locations in Toronto. Contact us online or call 416-847-3580 to make an appointment to discuss your potential claim.