Winter Driving Tips For Oklahoma Motorists

While we don’t usually see a lot of snow in Oklahoma during the winter months, we do often experience below freezing temperatures. Furthermore, just because there may not be a lot of snow on the road does not mean that it is safe to drive. In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) estimates that more than 22 percent of all car accidents are weather-related.

While taking precautions doesn’t guarantee that a person won’t be involved in a crash, it can go a long way towards preventing a serious collision. If, despite your best efforts, you were involved in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, you should consider reaching out to an experienced Tulsa car accident lawyer for help filing a claim.

Before Leaving

Planning ahead can make all the difference when it comes to winter driving. For instance, motorists who anticipate poor weather should be sure to:

• Pay close attention to weather forecasts and road conditions;
• Leave extra time to travel more slowly;
• Let their engines heat up before turning on the heater, which increases fuel efficiency;
• Remove frost from the windshield and windows; and
• Let someone know when they’re planning to drive, the route they are planning to take, and their anticipated arrival time.

There are also a few items that motorists should consider keeping in their car if they are expecting snow or freezing temperatures, such as:

• Jumper cables;
• Anti-ice windshield wiper fluid;
• An ice scraper;
• Tire chains;
• A jack;
• A change of clothes;
• Blankets; and
• Non-perishable food and bottled water.

Besides helping a driver stay warm and focused, having these items handy could end up saving a person’s life if he or she is involved in a car crash during a winter storm.

Under the Hood

It’s also important for drivers to do routine maintenance when heading into the winter months, which includes checking the battery and windshield wipers, changing the oil, topping off  the antifreeze, checking the brakes and brake fluid levels, and testing the heater and defroster. Checking that the tires have good tread and regularly checking tire pressure through the winter months can also help prevent an accident caused by icy or slushy roads.

On the Road

There are a number of things that drivers can do to help reduce their chances of being involved in an accident in the winter. Slowing down, for instance, is critical, as the faster a vehicle travels, the harder it is to maintain control and the longer it will take for a car to come to a stop. Increasing the distance between vehicles to at least six seconds can also help reduce rear-end collisions and other accidents. Drivers should avoid braking and turning at the same time when traveling on icy roads, but should brake first, turn, and then accelerate to avoid skidding. Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that bridges and overpasses are the first roads to freeze in Oklahoma, so drivers should use extra care when traveling in these areas.

Call Today for Assistance

For help seeking compensation after your own winter collision, please reach out to the Tulsa car accident lawyers at Levinson Law, P.C. by calling 918-492-4433 today.

Resource:

oklahoman.com/article/5575503/safe-driving-during-the-deadliest-season-on-the-road