Advice for Safe Winter Driving in Chicago

Friday, February 22, 2013

Advice for Safe Winter Driving in Chicago

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Although we have had a mild winter up to mid-January, when we received an inch of snowfall on Friday, January 25th our streak of 335 days without a measureable snowfall ended. Not only was this period of time without snow on record, it shattered the previous record of 319 consecutive snowless days in 1940. Living in the Midwest we are all accustomed to snow, and some of us even like it. The routine of four seasons is imbedded in all of us and as long as we don’t have to endure another blizzard of 2010, we can deal with a “normal” winter. But one aspect of winter is always a burden to endure; driving on winter roads. Although it is a lucrative time for snow plow drivers, repair shops, and auto accident lawyers, the casual driver usually has to take several measures to avoid seeing a mechanic or Chicago auto accident attorney. 

An experienced driver should already know how to adapt to winter conditions, but helpful advice is never a bad thing. Here is some simple suggestions to keep you away from an auto accident lawyer and your family safe and warm:

• Maintain a Half-Tank of Gas

Not only is this good for your engine when it has to start in subzero temperatures, if you happen to find yourself in a spontaneous traffic jam you will never have to worry about running out of gas. There is nothing worse than suffering in the cold due to something you could have easily avoided. 

• Pack a Winter Travel Safety Kit

If you happen to get into an accident or unfortunately run out of gas, your engine won’t be able to provide a heat source for you. Standard items include blankets, a flashlight, first aid kit, water bottles, energy/protein bars, and candles. You may require a different set of items, but remember it is “always better to be safe than sorry.” 

• Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly

When you ask Chicago auto accident attorneys the most common reasons motorists end up in their offices, they will tell you they didn’t give themselves enough time to brake or they accelerated too quickly. Your tires don’t have the same grip on snow and ice and you must adjust your driving accordingly. If you continue to drive normally you won’t be arriving to your destination any sooner; your new destination may be an office of an auto accident lawyer or a wrongful death attorney.

• Pay Attention to Weather Reports

There are several websites offering up-to-the-minute weather reports. If you are ever concerned about the condition of the roads or how heavy traffic will be, be sure to educate yourself before you start up your car. This way you will know what roads to avoid and when the snow or ice will be at its worst.