Winter months bring a higher risk of accidents due to worsening road and climate conditions. Lack of preparation, especially for winter conditions, or inadequacy of preparations increases the likelihood of accidents. Here are some ways to reduce them.
Avoid risks
Dangerous roads should be avoided. If it is necessary to go out in snowy and icy weather conditions, only well-salted and cleaned roads should be used and the vehicle should be driven slowly. Sufficient distance (at least 4 seconds) should be left between the vehicle or vehicles moving ahead, and if there is a vehicle following the vehicle closely, the vehicle should be pulled aside and waited for the vehicle to pass.
Pay attention to following distance
In case the vehicle in front brakes or stops suddenly during travel, it is very important to adapt to the following distance so that the vehicle behind can stop in a controlled manner. When visibility is poor in bad weather conditions, turn on the vehicle’s headlights and keep a long following distance from other vehicles, as stopping by braking on slippery roads can take up to ten times longer.
Prepare the vehicle for the road
Make sure the vehicle is roadworthy and passes all safety checks. Before setting off, check whether the wiper fluid is suitable for cold weather, top up if missing and completely remove snow, ice or mist from the windows (not just the windshield, but all windows).
Keep an emergency bag
Make sure the vehicle’s fuel tank is full and there is a spare tire. It may also be helpful to keep an emergency kit in the vehicle, just in case. It can be used in case of being stranded on the road inside the bag; Have supplies such as warm clothing, a reflective jacket, a flashlight, a shovel and a fully charged phone. Also, do not forget your insurance documents that come to the rescue of the driver in case the vehicle gets stuck on the road.
Safer driving with winter tires
The decrease in air temperatures during the winter months also changes highway conditions. Since summer tires harden more quickly in cold weather conditions, their grip ability is much lower than winter tires. Remember that drivers who use winter tires in difficult climatic conditions have better grip on dry asphalt, snow and ice, and therefore safer driving.
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