As the weather changes and fall and winter approaches, upcoming snow in Missouri and Kansas often causes slushy roads, increasing the risk of dangerous car accidents. Check local weather sites and stations often and follow your favorite local meteorologist to learn of adverse weather events that affect Missouri and Kansas residents of potential driving safety issues as temperatures dip around freezing during winter.
Tips for Driving on Slushy Missouri Roads During Winter
If you are driving during Missouri’s snowstorm, there are a few tips for driving that can reduce the likelihood of being involved in a car accident:
- Avoid driving during a snowstorm unless it is essential, especially when the roads are icy or snowy. If your employer allows you to work from home during snowstorms, we recommend taking advantage of this offer.
- Slow and steady wins the race! Drive slower than you usually would. When roads are slushy and slippery, ice reduces tire traction. As a result, it can take your car longer to slow down after you brake. If you are driving fast on icy roads, your speed can cause your car to skid out of control.
- Accelerate and decelerate more slowly than normal. Avoid any hard or sudden braking or accelerations. Your vehicle can quickly lose traction with sudden movements on the road and skid out of control. The same rule goes for sharply steering. Drive gently and use more caution than normal.
- If you’re going uphill, don’t stop if you can avoid it as it may be difficult or impossible to get started again.
- Carry an ice scraper in your vehicle so you can scrape your windshield before you drive or if you have to pull over. Snowy frost over windshield reduces visibility, increasing the likelihood of a car accident. Removing the snow from your vehicle can keep it from blowing off and blinding another driver. It can also prevent a chunk of ice from blowing up your car and cracking another driver’s windshield, startling them and causing them to swerve into another vehicle.
- Carry extra stuff in your car during the winter including a candle, blanket, bottled water, and matches in case of getting stranded in cold and adverse weather.
- Make sure your gas tank is filled up before you get on the road.
- Check your tires regularly and make sure they have enough tread to grip the road. Consider changing to snow tires in the winter.
- Do not overestimate the power of getting a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Having a four-wheel-drive vehicle can help you if you get stuck on the side of the road in an embankment, but it does not help you when you are breaking or steering in dangerous road conditions.
- Give snowplows a wide berth and don’t try to pass them.
Contact a Missouri Car Accident Lawyer
Dangerous weather conditions, such as spring snowstorms, make it more challenging to drive in Missouri. However, drivers still owe other drivers a duty to drive reasonably safely in the circumstances. Drivers should consider the snowy conditions during winter and make adjustments to their driving. When they do not, the injured victims have a right to bring a personal injury lawsuit against them. If you or your loved one has been injured in a Missouri car accident, we can help. Contact Griggs Injury Law today to schedule your free initial consultation.
