Any form of inclement weather may increase the chance of an auto accident. Strong winds, heavy downpours, snow, and iced-over roads all require special driving precautions. It can be easy to overlook basic safety procedures with all the distractions on the road. However, responsible driving in these conditions is important in keeping you and those nearby safe.

Driving in icy conditions requires extra caution and preparation to ensure safety. Here are some tips for safe driving in icy conditions:

1. Check Weather and Road Conditions:
   • Stay informed about the weather forecast and road conditions before you start your journey.
   • If conditions are severe, consider delaying your trip or finding an alternative means of transportation.
2. Prepare Your Vehicle:
   • Ensure your vehicle is in good condition with well-maintained brakes, tires, lights, and fluids.
   • Consider using winter tires, which provide better traction in cold and icy conditions.
3. Slow Down:
   • Reduce your speed and maintain a safe following distance. Icy roads reduce traction, making it harder to stop or maneuver.
4. Brake Gently:
   • Use gentle and steady pressure on the brake pedal to avoid skidding. If your vehicle has ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), apply firm, continuous pressure in case of an emergency stop.
5. Avoid Sudden Movements:
   • Make gradual turns, accelerate slowly, and avoid sudden maneuvers to prevent skidding.
6. Increase Following Distance:
   • Leave more space between your vehicle and the one in front of you to allow for longer stopping distances.
7. Use Lower Gears:
   • If you have a manual transmission, use a higher gear to avoid wheel spin. For automatic transmissions, use the lower gears (L or 2) to gain better control.
8. Avoid Cruise Control:
   • Do not use cruise control in icy conditions, as it can lead to loss of control on slippery surfaces.
9. Stay Informed:
   • Listen to weather and traffic updates while driving to be aware of changing conditions.
10. Be Cautious on Bridges and Overpasses:
    • These surfaces freeze first, so approach them with extra caution.
11. Clear Ice and Snow from Your Vehicle:
    • Ensure your windows, mirrors, lights, and roof are clear of snow and ice before driving.
12. Have Emergency Supplies:
    • Carry essentials like a blanket, extra clothing, flashlight, ice scraper, and non-perishable snacks in case of an emergency.
13. Stay Calm:
    • If you start to skid, remain calm. Steer in the direction you want to go and avoid overcorrecting, which can lead to a loss of control.
14. Know When to Stop:
    • If conditions become too hazardous, find a safe place to pull over and wait until it’s safe to continue.

Remember that safety is the top priority, and it’s better to arrive late than risk an accident. Always use your best judgment and adapt your driving to the specific conditions you encounter.

Tips for Safe Driving in Icy Conditions

The best way to prevent accidents on icy roads is to avoid driving in the first place. Weather reports will be issued if it is believed that driving is unsafe. However, in today’s fast-paced world, it is rarely possible to cancel obligations and hard to avoid driving when you’re on a tight schedule. If you must drive in these conditions, following these tips may help decrease your risk for an accident:

• Use defroster and windshield wipers
• Pump brakes
• Use low gears
• Use turn signal early
• Keep safe distance away from other vehicles
• Wear your seat belt
• Avoid distracted driving

There is a reason that you see dozens of cars stranded on the side of the road in a blizzard. If someone fails to follow these basic safety tips, they are putting both themselves and anyone else on the road at risk of injury. It is impossible to control the negligence of other drivers.

Important to have insurance coverage

In the event of an accident, it will be extremely important to have insurance coverage. An accident can result in thousands of dollars of property damage. Injury accidents can result in trips to the hospital and lifelong injuries. Auto insurance can help you pay for some of these damages.

Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility: The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. While this firm maintains joint responsibility, most cases of this type are referred to other attorneys for principle responsibility.