Driving in the winter can be difficult. With poor weather, you’re at a higher risk of getting in a car accident. Car accidents are very common. However, road trips are a common part of many people’s lifestyle year-round. If you want to keep your family safe on a winter road trip, here are some things you need to keep in mind.
Check the Weather Report
In many places, winter weather can be unpredictable. Heavy snow and ice might come seemingly out of nowhere and impede your road trip, adding more difficulty to your trip. Before you begin each day’s travel, make sure you check the weather report for the areas you’ll be driving through. If you see that there will be heavy snow, consider changing your schedule. After all, did you know that 23% of all truck delays happen because of the weather? If you can avoid driving in bad weather, do so. This might slow you down, but it’ll keep you safe.
Pack Extra Supplies
Hopefully, you’ll reach your destination without any delays. However, you want to make sure you’re prepared for anything that might happen on the way. If you end up stranded, you want to keep your family safe. Pack extra food, water, and blankets in your car. That way, you’ll have them right there as you wait to be rescued. You should also consider packing things like a first aid kit, jumper cables, and a spare tire. It might seem like an overreaction, but when you need them, you’ll be very grateful you packed them.
Drive Slowly in Poor Conditions
Sometimes, driving in snow or rain will be unavoidable in the winter. When taking road trips is part of your lifestyle, you need to expect this. Accidents are not only dangerous, but they’re also expensive. The cost of a car accident generally ranges from $15,000 to $63,000 with most accidents falling into the $30,000 to $40,000 range. Make sure you drive slowly as you navigate nasty weather. When the roads get slick, it is a lot harder to stop your car. When you’re driving fast, this might cause you to get in an accident. Drive slowly and give other cars plenty of space as you go. That way, if you need to stop quickly, your slow speed will keep you safe. Driving slowly can also help you avoid getting pulled over for speeding. A ticket will go on your record so keep in mind that driving the speed limit is vital.
Keep Your Car In Good Shape
While accidents might not always be avoidable, you’ll have more luck if your car is in good shape. A well-maintained car can handle snow and ice much better than a damaged car can. Before you begin your road trip, make sure that you get your car checked for any issues. You should also make regular maintenance a part of your lifestyle. If you start your winter road trip with a car that runs well and can handle the weather, you’ll have a much smoother trip.
Don’t Wear Winter Gear While Driving
It can be tempting to leave your heavy coat on as you operate your car. However, take a moment to remove it once you’re in the vehicle. A heavy coat can impede your range of motion, which can impact your reaction during an accident. There were over 313,000 motor vehicle crashes there in 2015. You don’t want to take any chances with your family’s safety on the road, so remove your coat and avoid this risk.
Winter driving is stressful and riskier than driving in nice weather. However, by taking a few simple steps, you can reduce your risks and keep your family safe as you travel. Apply these tips to your life to make your road trips safer!
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