
The icy road is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents. An icy road can cause any driver to lose tire traction. Losing traction happens on icy roads more than on rainy roads. A lot of drivers lose control of their vehicles on icy roads and get into traffic accidents. Sometimes it is better to stay at home in bad weather and not drive until the road crews or snowplows finish their work, or all the ice melts. But if there is an emergency that people need to attend to, they may have to go on the road no matter how bad the weather is.
If you get into a car accident on an icy road, you will certainly be late for work or face other difficulties. If an accident really happens and you find someone responsible for it, then you can contact a law firm like Krasney Law to fight for you in court or represent you with the insurance companies. However, it is best to be prepared and learn how to drive on an icy road so you can prevent traffic accidents from happening.
Get a Good Grip for Snow Traction
Getting a good grip for snow traction is very important because most icy road accidents happen from drivers losing control of the car due to loss of traction. To have excellent traction, a tire has to have at least 6/32-inch deep tread. However, most of the new generation tires do not have adequate snow traction. Some of the summer tires may even have little or no grip at all. If you live in an area where roads ice over frequently, then you have to get snow tires for your vehicles. Sometimes tire manufacturers called it a winter tire. If you find a “snowflake on the mountain” symbol on the sidewall, then it meets the tire industry standard for snow traction.
Make Sure You Can See Clearly
Another essential factor is maintaining a clear view. Please make sure that your windshield is clear, and you also have to clean the inside windows thoroughly. Check that your windshield washer system is working properly, and it is full of an anti-icing fluid. Drain the old fluids and then pour in new fluids. Be sure to fill the tank properly if the color of the new fluid is different than the old fluid.
Using the Air Conditioner
If you want to make sure that the interior windows do not condense and frost, then you have to start the air conditioner and choose the fresh air option. It’s OK if you turn it to a warm temperature as long as it defrosts the windows.
Check Out The Lights
You may be clear on snow about what you see, but others may not. So it is crucial to have the lights operational during a blizzard. You have to make sure that your headlights and taillights are clear of snow. If you have old headlights, then you should think about changing the bulbs and cleaning the lenses. A headlight will help you to see what is in front of you, and the taillights will warn others that you are in front of them.
Watch Out for Black Ice
In snow, if you see that the road looks slick, then it maybe is. It becomes slick because of black ice, one of winter’s worst hazards. Black ice is also called glare ice. The ice is nearly transparent, and that is why these conditions are sometimes overlooked. However, this could be the worst mistake you ever make.
Over-steering Could Be Wrong
Steering is essential, but over-steering could be wrong. On a slick road, if you turn and your front tires lose grip, then the most common reaction would be to continue to turn the steering wheel, but it is the wrong decision. If the slick parts end and the front tires regain their grip, the car will dart in whichever way the wheels are pointed.