Auto Accident: Winter Auto Safety in Pennsylvania

Posted by & filed under car accident, The Travis Law Firm Blog.

Auto Safety Driving Practices in the Winter

As the temperature drops and snow begins to fall, it’s important for drivers in Pennsylvania to be prepared for winter weather conditions. With slippery roads and decreased visibility, driving during the winter can be hazardous. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 22,325 traffic accidents occurred during hazardous winter weather conditions in 2021. Prioritizing auto safety in winter can help.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter

Before heading out on the road in the winter, it’s important to ensure your vehicle is ready for it. This includes:

  • Check tire pressure and tread: Tire pressure decreases in cold weather, so check your tire pressure regularly and adjust when necessary. If your tires show excess wear on the tread, it’s time to replace them.
  • Inspect the battery: Cold weather can also affect the life of your battery, so make sure to check it and replace it if necessary.
  • Check your fluid levels: Check your engine oil, antifreeze, windshield washer and brake fluid levels. Top them off if needed.
  • Check your windshield wipers: Worn wipers are less efficient, so replace them if needed for extra auto safety.
  • Extra protection: If you have snow tires, switching to those might be a good idea. Keep a set of chains in your trunk in case you get stuck.

Auto Safety Driving Practices in the Winter

Practicing safe driving during the winter months can help keep you and your passengers safe. These include:

  • Slow down: Speeding in bad weather can make you lose control on slippery roads. Be sure to slow down and leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles.
  • Avoid distractions: With lowered visibility and hazardous road conditions, staying focused on the task at hand is important.
  • Use your headlights: It’s difficult to see other drivers when fog is present or it is snowing, so use your headlights to increase your visibility and help others spot you.
  • Brake slowly: Braking fast on an icy road can cause you to fishtail or lose control of your vehicle. Using gentle pressure on the brakes and pumping them can help.

What to Do in Case of an Accident

Even though a driver has taken all the necessary auto safety precautions, a car accident can still happen. If you’re involved in a Pennsylvania winter auto accident, taking the following steps is important:

  • Check for injuries: The safety of all those involved in the crash should be your top priority.
  • Move your car: Move over to the side of the roadway if possible to avoid other vehicles crashing into you.
  • Call 911: Report your accident to authorities and summon medical care if needed. If vehicle damage exceeds $1,000, you must report your crash in Pennsylvania.
  • Exchange information: Get contact and insurance information from the other drivers.
  • Take photographs: Document the accident and vehicle damage by taking photos for your insurance company.
  • Call an attorney: If anyone is injured, call an accident attorney for advice and legal representation.

Prioritizing winter auto safety is important to reduce your risk of being involved in a collision. However, if you become injured and the other driver is at fault, a Pennsylvania car accident attorney can protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

The Travis Law Firm: Car Accidents

In our legal practice at Travis Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping injured clients receive maximum compensation. Call us at (814) 277-2222 for a free consultation to learn what options you may have for your case. Our team is also available online if you prefer.