Archive for February 2022
Staying Safe On Winter Roads
This winter, we’ve had our fair share of icy weather! Although North Texas doesn’t often seem prolonged periods of snow, it’s important to remember that even one day of hazardous weather and freezing temperatures can dramatically increase the dangers of driving. If you absolutely must go out on the roads, staying safe is key. Here are a few tips that can help you keep you, your loved ones and other drivers safe during your commute.
Tip #1: Reduce Your Speed
This may seem like common sense, but believe it or not, it’s quite possibly the BEST strategy for staying safe during freezing road conditions. Driving at reduced speeds will not only help ensure that your vehicle can maintain better traction and control, but it will also allow you to improve your awareness of events going on around you. You will also have time to react in the event that a car accident or other dangerous event occurs nearby.
Tip #2: Avoid Bridges
As you can see in this article from WFAA 8, car accidents are happening frequently in icy conditions. Bridges definitely contribute to an increased level of danger and risk due to the fact that they are more likely to freeze and become slippery than normal roads. If you can find a back route on your commute which doesn’t require driving on bridges, it will be worth the extra minutes it takes!
Tip #3: Allow Yourself Extra Time
No matter how careful you plan on being, you’ll find yourself taking extra risks if you are running behind and trying to beat the clock. If possible, give yourself an extra 30 minutes when you’re planning on driving so that you don’t have to rush and you won’t be come stressed if traffic is worse than expected. Increased stress can quickly impair your judgment and result in unnecessary risk taking. Scheduling ahead could very well save your life!
Even though these three tips are relatively simple and straightforward, we guarantee you will be amazed at how quickly they can be forgotten when you head out to the car. Even repeating these quick strategies before you get behind the wheel can help you remember how to stay safe in the ice and help keep you and others in your vehicle stay safe!