Winter is officially here and Pennsylvania drivers need to be aware of the potential dangers on the road that this season brings. Our winters do not just bring extreme drops in temperature, but also snowstorms and icy streets and highways. Stay vigilant out there to keep yourself and others safe. Always let someone else know of your travel plans and route before you head out. Keep some basic supplies in your car, such as non-perishable food and bottled water. A map is also a good idea to have in the event the GPS and cell phone devices fail. Also, be mindful of some of the other commonly presented dangers of winter driving.
Common Winter Driving Hazards
Snow obviously is one of the first things that comes to mind when thinking of driving in winter. It can seriously impact visibility and sticks to windshields like rain does not. Ice on the roads and black ice are also dangerous for drivers. When the road is wet and surface temperatures drop below freezing, ice will form on the road. It may stay on the road after the temperature outside warms up because the ground is slower to warm than the air. Black ice, in particular, is scary to encounter on the road as it does not appear to be ice, but looks more like the road is just wet. Either way, ice can make it difficult for your tires to grip the road surface and lead to loss of control of steering and the ability to easily stop the vehicle.
Snow and ice on your windshield is not the only thing that can cause visibility problems in the winter. Yes, you should definitely take time to remove ice from your windows and mirrors before you head out in your vehicle, but also check your headlights. Just because your headlights have not yet burned out does not mean they do not need replacing. Headlights will dim over time and will not only make it more difficult for you to see on the road, but will also make it more difficult for others to see you, especially in harsh winter conditions.
Battery failure is another danger of winter driving. The cold weather can affect a battery’s ability to start a car, especially if the battery is aged and temperatures fall below freezing. Consider buying a new car battery or, at least, checking the health of your current battery. Take a look to see if it is at all corroded and needs cleaning. It is also a good idea to keep a portable charging source in your vehicle should you get stranded due to a dead battery.
Unsafe tire pressure is also a danger of winter driving. Cooler temperature changes air pressure leading to drops in tire pressure. The drop in atmospheric pressure leads to a drop in tire pressure. Loss of tire pressure will decrease the effectiveness of your tires.
Pennsylvania Car Accident Injury Attorneys
Stay vigilant this winter season by taking proper safety precautions before you set out on your seasonal travels. The dangers of winter pose real threats to you and others on the road. Should you be injured in a car accident this winter season, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Cooper Schall & Levy will fight for your right to be fairly compensated for your injuries. Contact us today.
