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3 important driving safety tips for the colder seasons

On Behalf of | Oct 20, 2022 | Injuries

Delaware residents get to enjoy a colorful fall season followed by real winter weather. The changing seasons can be one of the best aspects of life here, but it does lead to an ever-changing set of risks on the roads.

Colder temperatures lend themselves to very precarious driving situations. There are steps that you can take when temperatures start dropping that will help you reduce your risk of getting into a motor vehicle collision during the winter during the late fall, winter and early spring.

Change your driving to reflect the weather

One of the biggest risk factors for winter collisions is when drivers fail to adjust their habits for winter road conditions. Icy and snowy streets require slower speeds for the safety of everyone, as slick surfaces increase your stopping distance. Giving other vehicles more space and reducing your overall speed are necessary steps whenever the roads are icy, slick or freezing cold.

Adjust your morning schedule

Obviously, if you significantly decrease your travel speed, you will increase how long it takes to reach your destination. Many drivers feel like they cannot slow down on their way to work or a doctor’s appointment.

You can take the pressure off by leaving earlier when the weather is bad. Of course, you can’t necessarily leave earlier if you wake up to an unexpected snowstorm. Waking up just 10 or 15 minutes earlier from the beginning of the frost and snow season to the middle of spring could give you the extra time in your daily schedule you need to drive safely to work.

Get your car in shape for winter weather

There are numerous small maintenance tasks that will improve your vehicle’s performance in colder weather. While it can be a challenge to do so, maintaining proper tire pressure is important for your traction on icy streets. Investing in snow tires could be a worthwhile decision. Even if you don’t invest in better tires, rugged wiper blades intended for icy precipitation could help keep your line of sight clear you have to drive in times of inclement weather.

Making changes to your driving habits, your daily schedule and your vehicle will help you minimize your chance of a motor vehicle collision during the winter months.

 

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