With another month of winter left, it’s important for all drivers and passengers to continue to be diligent in traveling safely to prevent car accidents. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers a few tips and precautions for drivers before and during winter travel.
Before driving:
- Check weather applications and/or listen to weather and travel advisories
- Remove snow and ice from the vehicle’s hood, roof and windows
- Prepare a winter travel emergency kit, which includes gloves, a blanket, ice scraper, sand, non-perishable food, and anything else to accommodate the driver and passengers
- Bring a charged cell phone
- Buckle up
During travel:
- Turn on headlights when windshield wipers are on
- Slow down and increase following distance
- Avoid getting in the way of plow trucks and tractor trailers
- Watch for black ice, meaning frozen patches that look wet
- Use extra caution on bridges and ramps
- Take special precautions where pedestrians may be nearby, and allow extra time for them to cross icy or snow-covered roads.
Drivers and passengers should remember to allow extra time for each trip, as winter weather usually means longer and slower travel. In addition, PennDOT urges all motorists to always avoid driving while impaired.
Every motorist has the responsibility to make safe choices during winter travel. Failure to appropriately prepare for weather and/or driving carelessly can put countless people in serious danger.
Contact our firm for assistance if someone else’s negligence has led to a motor vehicle accident. Our firm can investigate the situation and answer any legal questions you may have.