Thompson Law cares about you and your family. Winter can be a dangerous time not just when you’re driving, but also when you’re at home. To help keep you and your family safe, we’ve put together this list of winter safety tips when driving, and for your home.
Winter Weather Driving Tips
Ice, snow, freezing rain, and even fog can make driving dangerous during the winter. Did you know that most accidents happen when you’re just a few miles from home? It’s true. While it’s not possible to remove the 100% of winter driving risks, you can reduce it by following the winter safety tips below, as well as other winter safety tips from the National Safety Council (NSC).
- Prepare Your Vehicle: Equip your vehicle with winter tires to improve traction on icy and snowy roads. Check that fluids like antifreeze and windshield washer fluid are full and appropriate for cold temperatures. Inspect your battery, brakes, and wiper blades to ensure they are in good condition.
- Drive Slowly and Maintain Distance: Reduce your speed and increase the following distance between you and the car ahead to stay safe on icy roads. Stopping on icy or slick surfaces takes up to 10 times longer than on dry pavement, so it’s important to give yourself plenty of space and time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Sudden braking, acceleration, or sharp turns can cause your car to lose traction and hydroplane when driving in bad winter weather. Cars can hydroplane in as little as one-tenth of an inch (0.3cm) of water, so always steer and brake gently.
- Stay Aware of Ice Patches: Be cautious of black ice, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas. These spots freeze first and may be hard to notice. Watch for a shiny, smooth, glossy patch on the road that appears wet but lacks visible water. These areas often look slightly darker or duller than the surrounding road surface.
- Clear Your Car: Before driving, take the time to thoroughly remove all snow and ice from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and roof. Clearing these areas not only helps you maintain clear visibility while on the road but also prevents loose snow or ice from sliding off your vehicle and creating hazards for other drivers.
- Know Your Brakes: If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply steady, firm pressure to the brakes. The ABS will pulse the brakes automatically to prevent wheel lockup and maintain control. For cars without ABS, gently pump the brakes to avoid locking the wheels and reduce skidding. To check if your car has ABS, look for the “ABS” light on your dashboard when turning on the ignition. If you don’t see it, check your owner’s manual or contact your dealership.
- Plan Your Route: Check the weather forecast and road conditions before heading out. Avoid non-essential trips during severe winter weather.
Winter Weather Essentials To Pack In Your Car
Being prepared for winter driving means not only adjusting your driving habits but also ensuring your car is well-equipped for unexpected situations. Packing the right items in your car can make a significant difference if you encounter delays, get stuck, or need to wait for assistance. Here’s a list of essentials to keep in your vehicle during winter conditions for winter safety:
- Ice Scraper and Snow Brush: Ensure your windshield and windows are free of snow and ice quickly with a reliable ice scraper and snow brush, improving your visibility and making winter driving much safer.
- Shovel: A compact, foldable snow shovel is invaluable for digging your car out if it gets stuck in heavy snow, saving you from being stranded in harsh weather.
- Blankets and Warm Clothing: Always keep extra blankets, gloves, hats, and warm clothing in your car to stay comfortable and safe if you get stuck in freezing temperatures for an extended period.
- Non-Perishable Snacks and Water: Pack a small stash of long-lasting snacks like protein bars and bottled water to keep you nourished and hydrated during lengthy delays or unexpected emergencies.
- Flashlight and Extra Batteries: A durable flashlight, along with spare batteries, is crucial for dealing with nighttime breakdowns, finding your way in the dark, or signaling for help.
- First-Aid Kit: Having a well-stocked first-aid kit allows you to treat minor injuries, such as cuts or scrapes, until professional help arrives, ensuring you’re prepared for any small medical issue.
- Jumper Cables or Battery Pack: Cold weather can cause your car battery to lose its charge, so having jumper cables or a portable jump starter ensures you can get your car running again without waiting for outside assistance.
- Traction Aids: Carry items like sand, kitty litter, or specialized traction mats to help your tires gain grip. These can help you move your car safely if you’re stuck on snowy or icy roads.
- Phone Charger or Power Bank: Keeping a car charger or portable power bank ensures your phone stays charged so you can call for help or navigate safely during emergencies.
- Emergency Flares or Reflectors: Use emergency flares or reflective triangles to make your vehicle highly visible to other drivers and rescue services, especially in low-visibility situations like snowstorms. We recommend placing 1 flare or reflector 300 feet behind your car, and another 10 feet behind your car.
- Tow Rope: A sturdy tow rope can help you get your car out of difficult situations by allowing another vehicle to assist in pulling you free from snowbanks or icy patches.
By having these items on hand, you can ensure you’re better prepared for the challenges that winter driving may bring.
Winter Home Safety Tips
Preparing your home for winter is just as important as getting your vehicle ready for icy roads and harsh conditions. Cold temperatures, snowstorms, and freezing rain can create challenges that require proper planning and preventative measures. By taking the right winter safety steps, you can ensure your home remains safe, warm, and efficient throughout the winter months.
- Inspect Heating Systems: Ensure your furnace, chimney, and other heating systems are properly checked and maintained to prevent hazards. Schedule an annual inspection with a professional to clean and assess for any damage or blockages, as this can improve efficiency and reduce the risk of fire or carbon monoxide leaks.
- Stock Essential Supplies: Prepare an emergency kit with non-perishable food, bottled water, batteries, a flashlight, blankets, and a first-aid kit to stay safe and comfortable during power outages. Consider adding any necessary medications, personal hygiene items, and a phone charger to ensure you’re fully prepared.
- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly every month to ensure your home is safe. Replace old batteries with fresh ones and test each device by pressing the test button at least every 6 months for winter safety.
- Seal Drafts: Prevent cold air from sneaking into your home by sealing drafts around doors and windows. Use weather stripping for gaps around door frames and apply caulk to seal any cracks or openings near windows. This simple step keeps your home warm, reduces energy loss, and helps lower your heating bills.
- Protect Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes with foam or rubber pipe insulation to prevent them from freezing during cold weather. Additionally, keep a trickle of water running from faucets, especially during extremely low temperatures, to reduce pressure buildup and minimize the risk of bursting pipes. Properly drain the water from your swimming pool and sprinkler supply lines by following the guidelines provided by the manufacturer or installer.
- Have a Fire Safety Plan: Make sure everyone in the household knows evacuation procedures in case of a fire. Identify at least two exits from every room, establish a safe meeting point outside, and practice fire drills regularly to ensure everyone knows exactly what to do in an emergency.
Practice Winter Safety!
Thompson Law hopes you and your family have a fantastic and safe winter, and follows our winter safety tips. We’re also here if you need us. If you have a question about a potential personal injury case, call us toll-free at 844-308-8180, in Dallas at 214-444-4444, or in Fort Worth at 817-444-4444. THE FOURS are here to keep you and your family safe during the holidays.
If you are in an accident this winter, know that we charge NO FEE unless we win. You will not incur any attorney fees, court costs, legal expenses, or any other costs unless we recover money on your behalf. If we do obtain a settlement for you, our fee will only come out of a portion of the settlement. So call today for a free consultation if you have been injured in any accident.
