Slippery roads are a problem in every state in the United States – not just the ones where snowfall is common. Freezing, early morning cold and rain conditions cause slippery roads even in the South. Collision frequency in Louisiana is much higher than the countrywide average, and inclement weather is one of the many contributors. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to proactively stay safe on the road and prepare for slippery conditions. Stay safe on the roads by following these tips and bookmarking our law firm’s website. If you are ever involved in a car accident in Louisiana, contact The Law Office of Glenn C. McGovern for a free consultation about securing a settlement.

Drive At A Safe Pace

Speed limits exist for a reason. Getting to and from your destination safely is always of the utmost importance, and one of the best ways to achieve this is to obey the speed limit at all times. Tires can easily lose their grip and traction when roads are slippery – even at speeds as low as 20 miles per hour. Speeding is an easily avoidable way to keep yourself, your passengers, and other drivers safe on the road. Always obey the speed limit and give yourself plenty of time between the time you leave your house and when you’re expected to arrive at your destination. Running late tends to make people drive in a frenzy, so remember that arriving safely is more important than arriving on time.

Perform A Quick Check Of Your Car’s Essentials

Performing routine maintenance checks to your vehicle keeps your car operating in tip top shape before driving. Check that your headlights and taillights are functioning properly, as well as your windshield wipers to make sure you’ll stay safe if heavy rainfall or slippery road conditions occur. Make sure your turn signals work, and check your tire pressure. Even just a quick five minute check of your vehicle’s essential parts is all you need to make sure you’re ready for any inclement weather that may occur.

Refrain From Using Cruise Control

In wet and slippery conditions, avoid using cruise control at all costs. When your car is driving on slippery roads, the likelihood of a crash greatly increases. For this reason, it’s important for the driver to be fully engaged and paying attention to the road in front of them. Cruise control is a great option for when roads are clear, but you need full control over your vehicle when roads are wet. The possibility of hydroplaning is always present on wet roads, so ditch the cruise control and make sure you keep both hands on the wheel at all times.

Keep A Safe Distance Between Your Car And Others

Tailgating the car in front of you is never a good idea. Always try your best to leave at least one car’s length between yourself and the cars in front of you – the more space, the better. If another driver suddenly brakes, losing control of their vehicle, or makes a sudden turn, you need plenty of time to react and keep yourself safe. Not all drivers inspect their vehicles as often as they should, and improper maintenance can be a hazard to others. If a car in front of you has faulty tires or weak brakes, especially when road conditions are slippery, you’ll be happy you kept a safe distance between your car and theirs.

Always Wear Your Seatbelt

This tip seems obvious, but still many people forget to put their seatbelt on as soon as their car starts moving. Always ensure other passengers are buckled up as well, as even one unbelted person can cause harm to others in the car if there is a collision. When roads get slippery, it’s highly likely that a car will hydroplane, and there’s an increased risk of a crash that could leave you injured if your seatbelt isn’t on.

Keep An Emergency Kit Handy In Your Car At All Times

If you are ever involved in a car accident, there are tools you can keep handy that will help you in a moment’s notice. Keep a flashlight in your vehicle in case you crash at night and need a light while you stand and wait for a law enforcement officer to arrive at the scene. Booster cables are helpful as well if you are ever stranded after your car’s battery has died. Road flares or traffic cones help to zone off the area of the accident to keep pedestrians or other drivers safe. These items can’t keep you from getting in an accident, but can help you recover quicker should you find yourself in a crash.

Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Lawyers Today

A lot of complications can happen after a car accident. You might struggle to pay medical bills. You might also lose income. By hiring a lawyer, you can file a personal injury claim after your car accident to recover these lost damages.

At The Law Office of Glenn C. McGovern, we have years of experience dealing with cases involving car accidents. Schedule a free consultation about your car accident today.