Millions of Americans are expected to take to the roads this holiday season. Unfortunately, many do not always make it safely to their destination as planned. In fact, AAA estimates that it will help more than 1 million stranded motorists this holiday season. According to AAA, during the year-end holiday period, it expects to receive more than 288,000 requests for help with a dead battery, more than 198,000 requests for the retrieval of keys locked inside vehicles, more than 166,000 tire change requests, and more than 21,000 vehicle extrications.
There are several precautions that drivers can take when traveling this winter in order to stay safe when driving this winter:
- Check the air and wear of your tires. Most Americans (83%) do not know how to properly inflate their tires. AAA recommends checking the pressure on all tires—including the spare—monthly with a quality gauge when the tires are cold.
- Make sure that your car battery is properly charged. Extreme temperatures can cause car batteries to break down more easily. When the rate of corrosion on battery terminals is accelerated, insufficient electrical power can result.
- Ensure that windshield wipers are working. Keep the blades in good condition and top off washer fluids regularly.
- Be prepared. In the event that you become stranded, you should keep several items in your car, including a day’s worth of water, blankets, first aid kit, flashlight with batteries, flares, battery booster cables, an ice scraper, shovel, and traction mats.
- Take extra driving precautions. Reduce your speed, allow plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, and brake gently to avoid skidding.
- Be extra cautious when driving on bridges, overpasses, and infrequently traveled roads. Oftentimes, these roadways are the first to freeze, which can cause dangerous driving conditions.
- Do not pass snow plows and sanding trucks. Truckdrivers – especially those driving snow plows and sanding trucks – have limited visibility and roads are often more dangerous in front of them than behind them because the road is yet to be cleared.
- Avoid distracted driving. Texting, emailing, and talking on a cell phone are dangerous at any time, but they are particularly dangerous when the roads are made more treacherous with snow and ice.
Auto accidents are among the most common types of personal injury accidents, and roads become even more dangerous during the winter months. The Chicago auto accident attorneys at Cogan & Power, P.C. are dedicated to keeping Chicago motorists safe and helping the victims of auto accidents obtain the financial recovery that they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident, do not hesitate to contact the experienced auto accident law firm of Cogan & Power at (312) 477-2500 to receive a free case evaluation. We will promptly launch an independent investigation of the accident to collect and review any available evidence so that we can assess all potential legal claims. After we have conducted a comprehensive legal analysis, we will vigorously advocate on your behalf to get you the compensation you need and deserve.