It’s that time of year again. The temperatures have dropped, snow is falling, and road conditions are getting dicey. Winters in Minnesota and Wisconsin bring challenging road conditions. The Schroeder & Mandel team has some winter driving tips to help you stay safe on the road and avoid some common accidents.
Rear-end collisions
Rear-end collisions happen year-round but are much more common in winter months. Drivers often go too fast and don’t break correctly on slick, icy roads. During winter, we all need to drive slower on snowy or icy roads. We also need to leave more distance between the car in front of you and take care to accelerate and decelerate more gradually than you would during the rest of the year. Stay alert when driving, and stay constantly aware of the cars around you. Also, make sure your headlights are on as required by law and common sense.
Intersection collisions
Sliding through intersections during winter months puts drivers at a higher risk for significant collisions. To help prevent sliding collisions, look ahead and take your foot off the gas well before the intersection. This allows you to limit using your brakes and reduce your risk of sliding. Almost all cars now have anti-lock brakes. DO NOT pump your brakes. Read your owner’s manual or conduct online research to learn how to brake safely and effectively in winter. In a situation where you aren’t able to stop, gently steer your car to the curb so that your tires can hit snow or the curb to slow you down. According to Minnesota Statute 169.71, drivers are required to have their front windshield and front side windows clear while driving, which includes ice, snow, frost, and steam.
Spinouts
Spinouts caused by slick roads are another hazard of winter driving in Minnesota and Wisconsin. To prevent losing traction, make sure you have good winter tires. Drive slower, keep a safe distance from cars around you, and do not break suddenly. If you’re caught sliding or spinning, remember not to pump your brakes and don’t overcorrect. Instead, fight your instincts and turn into the spin. When you regain control, take a moment to get your bearings and take a deep breath. You likely won’t be in the right position to continue on. Look all around and return to the road safely. Do not pull back out in traffic on slick, snowy roads.
What to do if you’ve been in a winter car accident
Finally, if you’ve been in an accident, call the police. Remain in your car until help arrives. Even if you think you haven’t been injured, don’t risk it. You can assess any damage to your car once the police are on the scene. Police can redirect traffic to make it safe for you to step outside of your car. If you need immediate medical attention, go to an Emergency Room or Urgent Care. No matter who is at fault, Minnesota law requires your car insurance to pay for ambulance transportation, the emergency room, and urgent care, including chiropractic care, up to $20,000. You may even have more coverage(s) available.
Stay safe this winter!
If you’ve been in a winter car accident and have any questions, contact us for a FREE Consultation. We’re here to inform you about your insurance benefits.
