Winter Weather Wrecks
Written by Christian Rutten, Former Student on Wednesday, December 3, 2014
As the temperatures begin to drop, car accident rates begin to rise. Along with dropping temperatures comes other issues that begin to fall; sleet, hail, freezing rain and snow. These weather conditions pose a very dangerous threat on all roads. But how much can you truly blame the weather? Although conditions make it extremely difficult to operate vehicles it is also important that drivers are being cautious and that your vehicles are equipped and ready for winter.
How equipped is your car? It is important to remember that Mother Nature always has the advantage. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, it is important to get your car serviced now, make sure your tires are ready for winter, stock your vehicle with emergency supplies for you and your car, such as chains for your tires and protein bars for yourself.
Although it is important your car is ready for winter driving, you should be too. When driving it is important to stay cautious and plan your route before you venture out. Most importantly don’t rush and allow plenty of time to get to your destination. When driving it’s important to be confident, but not cocky. How many of us have been driving in poor conditions and had drivers fly past? It happens way more often than it should, all it does is put everyone around that area in danger, this being said, it is also important to not be overly cautious.
If a driver gets scared and brakes, he or she needs to know what kind of brakes they have. While applying a long and firm press to the brake pedal without anti-lock brakes it can cause your vehicle to spin out and lose control, making you run into a pole or even another driver. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, then pump the brakes gently, never locking them up. If you do have anti-lock brakes, apply firm continuous pressure.
Not just your teachers need to teach. If you see someone struggling to drive in the winter or driving recklessly, give them a word of advice. Advise them and give them some tips because one day they could be traveling head on towards your car because they couldn’t drive in the conditions they were in, putting your life on the line.
It is important to be vigilant as a driver. As winter season comes so does holiday season for many, a time to enjoy time with loved ones and enjoy life. A major or even fatal crash because of a lack of planning or being prepared would not be something your family wants as a holiday gift. Stay safe, be vigilant and have a voice, speak your opinion to your friends and family so everyone will be safe.
