Driving Safely In The Winter

Our New England winter so far has been unseasonably mild, but we know that the inevitable will come: Snow and ice storms. While most residents of Rhode Island and Massachusetts are comfortable driving in our inclement winter weather, accidents happen. Keough + Sweeney offer some tips and ideas that can help you safely navigate the roads and what to do if you are in an accident. 

Be Prepared

-Check your weather before leaving the house. This can help you avoid black ice.

-Be sure your tires are properly inflated and check tread. Also, avoid using cruise control when ice and snow are present 

-Have an emergency box stocked with food, water, warm clothing, blankets, medications, and flashlight.

-Be sure to have at least a half tank of fuel in your call at all times. 

-Do not warm your car up in a closed garage or area with poor ventilation as this can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide.

-Keep your cell phone fully charged.

Driving Safely

-Avoid driving in bad weather if possible. If you must travel, allow plenty of extra time and drive slowly. Accelerate and brake slowly to avoid skids.

-Adjust your following distance to make sure you can brake safely. Apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal when stopping. With that being said, don’t stop if you can avoid it. 

-Slippery hills can be tricky to navigate. It is better to get a bit of inertia instead of powering up a hill, as this could cause wheels to spin. When you reach the top of the hill, proceed down slowly. It is also important to not stop when going up the hill. It will cause your tires to spin and to slide back down the hill. 

-Let friends and family know your driving route and the time you think you will arrive at a destination. 

If Problems Occur

-If you get stuck in the snow, be sure to stay with your vehicle. It provides shelter and will help people locate you. Don’t try to walk in a bad storm.

-Clear your exhaust pipe of mud, ice, and snow. A blocked pipe can cause carbon monoxide to leak into the car.

-Stay warm by using your emergency blankets or warm clothing.Only run the engine for short periods to break the chill. 

If You Are In An Accident

-Do not leave the scene of an accident.

-Keep your flashers on and if safe to do so, set up flares.

-Call the police sp that an accurate record of the accident will be on file. If there is something you do not know, do not guess. Say that you do not know.

-Take pictures if possible.

-If another vehicle was involved, exchange information with the other driver and passengers. If there were witnesses, collect their information, as well.

-Notify your insurance company as soon as possible.

-Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

-Keep a file of all related documents, receipts, and information.

-Consult an attorney to be sure your rights are protected. Get legal advice before providing any statements to the insurance company.

We know that the time after an accident can be confusing. Keough + Sweeney are here to support you, answer your questions, and protect your rights. Contact us at our Rhode Island office at 401-724-3600 or either of our two Massachusetts locations: Boston 617-574-0054 or Raynham 508-822-2813

*Tips shared by AAA