Thinking of taking a road trip this winter? Before hitting the road, be sure to examine your vehicle’s and the surroundings’ conditions.
During winter, messy weather may cause accidents resulting to injuries and deaths. Roads become impassable and weather-related crashes happen. Statistics provide that over 116,000 Americans are injured and more than 1,300 are killed on winter roads. A study made by University of Georgia researcher Alan Black, found out that from 1996 to 2011, over 12,000 people died in the U.S. vehicle accidents that occurred during winter precipitation.
Snow season runs from November to March. During this period, highway response teams across the state serve weekly on-call rotations. They will work hard to ensure the safety of our roads; however, we must also do our part on how to be safe during the winter months.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet encourages motorists to use the four P’s of safe winter driving, namely (1) Prepare your vehicle; (2) Plan your travel; (3) Prevent crashes and; (4) Protect yourself in an emergency.
In preparing your vehicle for either short- or long-distance trips, you must check every part of your car, from the tires, gas tank, to its fluid levels and heat. You may even need to use winter and snow tires.
During the winter season, extreme weather conditions may happen, just like when winter storm Jonas practically crippled Kentucky. Snow buried much of Kentucky and left a number of casualties. If you must travel during the winter months, check the weather and road conditions first. Kentucky roads may be completely covered with snow or wet as ice could form when temperatures drop.
When driving on snowy or icy roads, it’s always a golden rule to drive carefully. It is recommended to leave enough space between your vehicle and the car in front of you because stopping in such condition requires up to four times your normal stopping distance. Also, make sure that you are visible on the road.
But in case you get involved in a crash, call the police right away. And if you have a disabled vehicle, move it off the roadway, remain inside, and request aid.
As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I would like to remind all Kentucky motorists about the risks of driving in winter. There are more hazards and dangers to it. However, as long as you prepare for it, use the 4 P’s, and take precautions, you can enjoy a safe winter driving.