When people think about the dangers of winter driving, their minds may go to black ice or accumulated snow on the streets. Slick roads are unquestionably one of the biggest risks that you face when you drive in the winter months, but other issues that can contribute to a crash during the cold seasons.
Connecticut can have blustery winters that produce many catastrophic crashes. Adjusting your driving habits to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during the winter is a smart decision. It’s important to be aware of the different dangers that the winter creates for drivers.
Cold weather and ice can affect how your vehicle performs
In order to successfully maneuver on icy, frozen streets, you need to be in control of a vehicle that is well-maintained. Winter weather can have a negative impact on your vehicle’s performance and condition.
Low temperatures can cause your battery to lose charge and prevent your vehicle from starting. Cold air temperatures and frozen asphalt can also lead to the loss of air pressure in your tires. The colder gases become, the less space they occupy. Checking your tires for proper inflation routinely during colder weather is important for your safety.
Other drivers may become distracted by weather conditions
Distraction, including the use of a mobile phone for texting or calling others, can be dangerous. This is particularly true during cold winter weather. Combining a lack of attention to the road with slippery streets is not a recipe for a safe travel. That extra distraction can increase the risk of a collision because the person driving the vehicle didn’t have their hands on the wheel and wasn’t looking at the road ahead.
Many drivers fail to adjust their daily habits and driving practices to the realities of the winter roads. People may neglect to leave home earlier and allow more time for their daily commute. This can lead to some people driving too quickly to be safe.
Low visibility and low light
Winter precipitation can affect your visibility behind the wheel. As if that weren’t enough of a concern, there is also fewer hours of daylight. Reduced visibility is a serious concern for winter driving.
Understand that distractions, visibility problems and vehicle performance can all contribute to winter weather crashes. This can help you make better decisions and stay safer on the road.
