HOW TO DRIVE SAFELY IN WINTER IN OHIO
Winter driving presents a variety of hazards for drivers in Ohio. Whether it’s black ice, unexpected snow storms, or other reckless drivers, the danger is significantly increased. Although you can’t control the actions of other drivers, there are steps you can take to increase your safety and improve your chances of getting to your destination safely.
Avoid Driving in Snow Storms
While this one may seem like a no-brainer, there are often people who think they are skilled enough to manage a winter storm without a problem. Unless it is crucial that you travel during a snowstorm, your best bet is to hunker down and wait for the storm to pass. It goes without saying that a winter storm in Ohio can greatly reduce visibility, reduce driving capabilities, and generally endanger drivers. Additionally, our state and municipal plow trucks will be out there trying to clear the roads, less drivers makes their jobs easier.
Winter Tires
Although it’s an investment, equipping your car with winter tires can greatly improve your odds of traveling safely during winter. Do not be mistaken with “all-season” tires. While all-season tires may be good for other climates, real winter driving will require tires that are specifically designed for layers of snow. There are also studded winter tires that will greatly improve your grip when driving over ice.
After winter is over, you should consider removing the winter tires and reverting back to summer tires. The winter tires should last you at least two to three years, and summer tires will get you better gas mileage.
Properly Maintain Your Vehicle
Winter maintenance takes multiple forms. It would be wise to get your vehicle checked out in the fall to ensure it is in good mechanical order leading into the winter. Additionally, during your daily travels you’ll want to make sure all your windows are free and clear of ice and snow. You will not want to skimp on this part because once you’re on the road, it will be dangerous to pull over in
snowy conditions to wipe off a piece of ice or snow that you didn’t previously remove. These visual obstructions can create new blindspots and endanger both yourself and other drivers.
Additionally, make sure snow is removed from the roof of your car. When snow flies off the roof and hits a vehicle behind you, you can create liability for yourself and endanger the safety of other drivers.
Lastly, when you’re removing ice and snow from your windshield, make sure to check the windshield wipers. The wipers can easily become entrapped in ice and fail to properly function once you hit the road. As previously mentioned, if you realize it too late and have to pull over to fix them, you’ll be creating a dangerous situation.
Contact Diehl & Hubbell
If you’ve been involved in a motor-vehicle crash and have questions about your legal options, contact Diehl & Hubbell for a consultation. Whether it’s handling insurance questions or pursuing remedies for personal injuries, our experienced attorneys know how to guide you through the process.