Whether it’s snow, sleet or ice, winter weather can cause hazardous road conditions.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that last year there were 498 fatal traffic crashes and an estimated 32,213 injury crashes that occurred when there were snow/sleet conditions at the time of the crash.
Preparing yourself – and your vehicle – for winter weather is key.
Remember to slow down.
It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface.
NHTSA reported in 2024 that there were an estimated 153,620 traffic accidents reported by police nationwide. The crashes occurred as a result of vehicles being driven on the road when snow and sleeting conditions.
Here are five tips to stay safe while driving in the snow.
1. Allow enough time to get to your destination.
2. Keep your gas tank full. Running out of gas during a snowstorm can be deadly.
3. Keep windshield and windows clear.
4. Slow down.
5. Stay with your vehicle if it stalls and try to conserve fuel while maintaining warm.
It’s also important to keep the tire pressure up on your vehicle when the temperatures go down.
As the outside temperature drops, so does tire inflation pressure.
Be certain that your tires are filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is in your owner’s manual and on a label located on the driver’s side door frame.
Don’t inflate your tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself. That number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for your vehicle.
Cooper Levenson is a full-service law firm established in 1957. Kathleen F. Beers, Esq. handles personal injury law and can be reached at kbeers@cooperlevenson.com or (609) 572-7570.