Your Guide to Winter and Christmas Safety

As we transition into the winter season, the likelihood of car accidents and other weather-related accidents increases. The roads get slicker, and the days get darker, making it more difficult to drive and travel. That’s why we want to provide you with these winter safety tips so you and your family can remain safe throughout the colder months. 

Winter Driving Safety Tips 

Weather conditions can significantly impact your ability to drive safely. Even when the roads have posted speed limits, the weather conditions may require you to drive even slower. Unfortunately, not everyone keeps the slick roads or black ice in mind, and they continue to speed, swerve, and make sudden movements when they shouldn’t. 

Here are some tips for driving safely during the winter: 

• Slow Down: Rain and snow can make it more challenging for you to brake, so you don’t want to travel too fast when around other vehicles. 

• Give Other Drivers Space: Never tailgate in the winter months because you can cause a severe crash due to your inability to stop. 

• Use Tire Chains: Tire chains keep your friction as high as possible so that you don’t lose control when driving. 

Driving Safe During the Holidays 

Several holidays fall around this time of year, and it’s important to recognize the dangers. Some of the most significant issues include drunk drivers, distracted drivers, and tired drivers. Whenever distracted or drunk drivers are on the road, they can cause some of the most significant accidents. 

Look out for these signs of dangerous driving: 

• A driver swerving back and forth between lanes 

• A driver who speeds up and slows down without reason 

• A driver who operates their vehicle without lights on at night 

• A driver who appears to be dozing off or looking down at a cellphone 

Is It Safe to Warm Up Your Car in The Garage? 

Many people choose to let their cars warm up before getting inside and with remote car starters, it’s easier than ever. However, it’s essential to ensure you’re out of harm’s way as your car heats up. 

• Choose an Open Space: Always heat your car in an open area to prevent gas buildup that can cause serious health issues like nausea, dizziness, or unconsciousness. 

• Check Pipes for Snow: Ensure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, which is odorless and potentially deadly. 

• Stay Inside: Stay inside your car or at a safe distance from the road to avoid being struck by fast-moving vehicles on icy or wet roads. 

How to Ride a Motorcycle in Snow and Ice 

Riding a motorcycle in snow and ice can be especially dangerous. Since you have little protection, you can receive serious injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident. Even a little bit of snow can cause a motorcycle accident, which is why you need to protect yourself against all dangers: 

• Dress Appropriately: Wear layers and weatherproof gear, especially for your head, hands, and feet, to stay warm and maintain control while riding. Make sure to always wear a helmet. 

• Prep Your Motorcycle: Install wind guards, a windscreen, and heated grips, and check antifreeze and hoses to prevent cold-weather malfunctions. 

• Drive Cautiously: Maintain distance and avoid speeding to allow time to react to ice patches and avoid collisions. 

• Stay Home in Snow: Avoid riding in snowy conditions; if snowfall increases, stop somewhere safe and arrange for towing. 

Vehicle Maintenance During Winter 

Vehicle maintenance is one of the most effective ways to stay safe during the winter. Far too often, drivers forget to check the safety features of their cars during this time of the year. As these parts begin to wear down, they can significantly impact your ability to stay safe. 

Here’s how each of these aspects of your vehicle keeps you safe in the winter months: 

• Windshield Wipers: Your windshield wipers clear your front window of any water or snow that could impair your vision. As these wear down, they streak more than they clean. As such, the streaking across the window reduces visibility. 

• Tires: The tread on your tires plays a vital role in keeping you safe. It creates traction between your vehicle and the road, preventing you from losing control. If you don’t replace your tires when the tread is low, you risk spinning out of control in inclement weather. 

• Brakes: Your brakes help you stop as you approach traffic. However, if they are worn, they don’t do the job nearly as well. Instead of braking, you may hear a loud grinding sound from your brakes that won’t keep you safe. 

Safety Tips About Snow Tires 

You should install your snow tires as soon as the temperature drops below 45 degrees since the rubber starts hardening and losing its traction properties. It’s also important to remember to take them off before temperatures rise above 45 degrees—otherwise, they will wear down quickly due to the heat buildup in the rubber compound. 

How To Maintain Your Snow Tires 

Maintaining your snow tires is key if you want them to last through multiple seasons without replacing them. Make sure you check tire pressure regularly using a tire pressure gauge. The recommended pressure is usually listed on the sidewall of each tire. 

You should also periodically check your wheels for any signs of damage or excessive wear and tear and get them professionally rotated if needed. Finally, make sure that you store your snow tires properly during the summer months by keeping them away from direct sunlight or high-humidity environments like garages or basements. 

Avoid Slip & Fall Accidents 

Property owners must ensure that their premises are safe from potential dangers. In winter, they should clear their property of snow, ice, and any other substances that can make the ground slippery for visitors. Unfortunately, not all property owners take these steps, resulting in you suffering a slip and fall. 

One thing you can do is ensure your shoes have the proper grip to keep you upright. Unfortunately, that may not work, and you have rights if you suffer an injury in these situations. 

Sledding Safety Tips 

Winter and snow allow you and your children to enjoy one of the season’s most exciting activities – sledding! However, while flying down the steep hill, it can be difficult to notice signs of danger. Make sure the place you take your children sledding is safe to avoid any injuries. 

• Look Out for Hazards: Be aware of rocks, tree stumps, and snow mounds, as hitting obstacles at high speed can cause injury. 

• Your Sled Choice Matters: Choose a sled with steering and braking capabilities for better control; avoid overloading single-person sleds to prevent excessive speed. 

• Feet First: Always sled with feet first to protect your head and maintain control over speed and direction. 

• Always Watch Your Children: Supervise children while sledding to ensure their safety. 

Injured Due to Someone Else’s Negligence? Contact DM Injury Law. 

Did someone crash into you while driving on a slick road? Or did you slip on someone else’s unkempt property? If someone’s negligent actions caused you or a loved one to suffer an injury, you have the right to seek compensation. 

The personal injury attorneys at DM Injury Law are here to fight for the justice and financial compensation you deserve after being involved in an accident. 

Call us at (816) 325-3847 to schedule a free consultation. We are a contingency-fee-based law firm, which means you only have to pay if we win your case.