With winter in full force, Arizonians are chasing the snow! As Arizona personal injury attorneys our job is to help keep you safe no matter the weather conditions. Snow and ice can reduce the amount of traction tires have, change reaction times and can make vehicles harder to control. Weather-related vehicle accidents kill more people annually than large-scale weather disasters. In order to help you and your family stay safe during these winter months, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
1. Slow down. All maneuvers – accelerating, stopping, and turning- take longer and are less predictable when the pavement is covered in snow, ice, or is wet. Accelerate slowly enough to maintain traction and allow yourself plenty of time to slow down when coming to a stop.
2. Know Your Brakes. Most modern day cars have anti-lock brakes. In case of emergencies, press the pedal as hard as you can. The brakes will provide enough traction to help you avoid skidding and maneuver around obstacles.
3. Keep Your Distance. Stopping on ice requires at least twice the distance when it’s below freezing, according to the American Automobile Association (“AAA”) Since vehicles react a lot slower in the snow, instead of three to four seconds, stay eight to ten seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.
4. Keep Rolling. Winter driving experts suggest that you try to keep a steady, but prudent, pace when approaching turns at stoplights, and as you go up and down hills. This allows you to maintain enough inertia to avoid peeling out or hydroplaning when you accelerate.
5. Promote Visibility. Keeping good visibility is key to motor vehicle safety. It is critical that you make sure your headlights clean and ON.
We know facing the weather alone can be hard. That is why here at Torgenson Law, we have prepared ourselves to weather any storm to fight or your personal injury needs. If you or someone you know has experienced a car crash, please call Torgenson Law today at (602) 726-0747. Call us for your free case review from our committed attorneys. We are here to help! Have a safe winter everyone!
