Knowing how to drive your car safely in snowy conditions is crucial to understand how to drive your car safely in snowy conditions, regardless of how long you have lived in Colorado or how new you are to the state. Just a few days remain until the start of winter, and if the experience is any guide, there will be an increase in the frequency of automobile accidents on icy roads.
You could be able to sue any parties responsible if you end up in an automobile accident that was either brought on by the weather conditions or another motorist who was not driving safely by contacting a Grand Junction auto accident lawyer.
Remember these winter driving safety tips to help reduce weather-related collisions:
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Decelerate.
In many cases, you will not notice the slick danger unless you are directly on top of it, or you will not see it altogether if it is black ice, so slow down. Ice and snow on the road are not always glaringly evident. To recognize threats and take appropriate action, you should significantly reduce your speed in the snow, which is often at least 10 – 15 miles per hour. Not to add that driving quickly on ice will probably make you slip out when you try to brake or turn.
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Use brakes.
Steady braking is essential when coming to a halt because applying the brakes suddenly will almost certainly result in losing control of your car. If your vehicle has antilock brakes, slowly bring it to a halt by using steady pressure on the brake pedal. If you have normal brakes, you must lightly and infrequently pump them.
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Look out for bridges.
Ever come across a sign alerting you about a frozen overpass or bridge? Why does it not simply say, “Ice is all over,” on the sign? Bridges and flyovers are much more likely to accumulate a thin icy layer than other roads because of their proximity to water. Anytime you cross one, be extra cautious.
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Avoid using high beams.
Usually, high beams help reveal what is beyond the next black bend, but while it is snowing, they are most likely to render you blind. The high lights can reflect snow in the atmosphere and on the path back at you, giving the impression that everything is hidden behind such a white screen. You should be alright if you stay on low beams.
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Sliding under control.
Even the greatest drivers have been known to lose control when approaching a snowy corner. Avoid panicking, release the brake and gas pedals, look the way you wish to go, and slowly turn that same way.