Are you preparing for a harsh winter and concerned about how to handle the roads?
Snow and slush are estimated to cause 24% of the weather-related traffic accidents in the United States. In weather like that you need to prepare and be careful.
You are probably wondering what you can do to be safe on slushy roads. Luckily, there are ways to help you stay safe when you need to brave the weather. This post will help prepare you to dive safely.
Keep reading to learn what slush is, how you can stay safe in it, and what to do if you end up in an accident.
What Is Slush
You probably know how snow and ice get on the road. What you may not know is how icy slush gets on the road after the weather clears up.
Slush will form when it gets warm enough for things to start melting. Snow, ice, and dirt begin mixing and form into sludge.
How Do You Stay Safe?
Slushy snow is one of the more dangerous conditions to drive on. It not only conceals ice underneath your car but also attaches to your tires. This slush makes it harder for you to turn and accelerate. So what can you do to keep safe?
Lower Your Speed
Your tires won’t get good traction on slushy roads. The lack of traction makes it much easier for your car to spin out.
If you still feel uncomfortable after slowing down, slow down more. Don’t be afraid to go below the speed limit.
Watch Your Acceleration
You can’t always see ice on road slush. If you accelerate too quickly, then your tires won’t get traction on the ice. This lack of traction can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Don’t count on the all-wheel drive to help you keep control. You can still crash if your vehicle is built for rougher conditions.
Keep Your Distance From Other Vehicles
You may know your braking distance under normal conditions, but brake times can become unpredictable in slush. Try to double your usual following distance in winter conditions.
Don’t Use Cruise Control
In snowy conditions, you need to have full control of your vehicle at all times. Don’t risk the extra seconds it would take for you to put your foot back on the pedal to take action. Every second will count in these situations.
What Happens During an Accident?
You’ve followed all the safety advice you’ve read. What happens if you still get in an accident?
All the standard rules apply.
Make sure you get the other driver’s information if the accident involved another party. Take plenty of pictures of any damage. Call the police to make a police report.
To make sure you haven’t sustained any injuries follow up with a doctor. Do this even if you feel fine. A car injury won’t always present itself during the crash.
Make sure to contact a personal injury lawyer to have an expert walk you through the whole process. Even a minor accident can lead to damages.
Stay Safe When Driving in Slush
Now that you know a few tips for driving safe and slush, you can take measures to stay safe when you are out of the road. You can never eliminate all risk, but you can work to make things as safe as possible.
If the worst happens and you do have an accident, contact us today, and we will help you figure out your next steps to get the help you deserve.