Our Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyers Reveal 5 Ways to Help You Stay Safe This Winter
Since January 1, 2019, there have been 500 traffic-related deaths in the state of Colorado. This number is staggering when you consider how easily many of these tragic accidents could have been avoided by making an effort to drive safer.
“Slow down, buckle up, and don’t drive impaired,” Sergeant Blake White told KRDO. “It’s these things that we constantly preach to people saying don’t do these things, or fix this behavior, and they’re not doing them so people are dying on the roads.”
The issue has become so pressing that Sergeant White is asking drivers to call 911 if they see someone else on the roads driving erratically. Being proactive about trying to drive safer in Colorado Springs, he believes, may save the life of another innocent driver.
Colorado roads are dangerous, especially in the winter months. Our Colorado Springs car accident lawyers at Heuser & Heuser are committed to finding ways to help our residents stay safe. In addition to Sergeant White’s recommendation to phone in suspicious behavior, our team has put together a list of five ways to help drive safer in Colorado Springs this winter.
#1: Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly
We all know that scary feeling when your tires spin out on a patch of ice or wet pavement. When this happens, you run the risk of losing control of your vehicle and getting into an accident. It’s especially important during the winter months to apply pressure to your gas pedal and brakes slowly in order to maintain traction and avoid spinning tires.
#2: Increase Following Distance
While it’s always important to practice safe following distances on the roads, this becomes even more important during winter weather conditions. Give yourself more than a car’s distance between yourself and the car in front of you so that you have more time to react in the event you need to brake suddenly.
Furthermore, when you’re approaching a stop sign or a light, begin slowing down well before you normally would so your tires don’t lose traction. Doing this will help prevent you from sliding into oncoming traffic and causing a rear-end collision.
#3: Regularly Check Your Brakes & Tires
When was the last time you had your brakes and tires checked? Your tires should have ample tread, especially during the winter months, in order to maneuver the roads safely. Additionally, your brakes should be in top condition. If your brakes are worn, you increase your chances of a motor vehicle accident.
Whether you need to apply winter tires or change your brakes, regularly maintaining your vehicle is one way you can help keep yourself and others safe on our roads.
#4: Don’t Speed or Stop on Hills
Slamming on the gas pedal to speed up a snowy hill will only make your wheels spin. If you can, try to gain momentum at the bottom of the hill and gently apply the gas on the way up. Additionally, it is never wise to stop while driving up a hill if you can avoid it.
#5: Drive Slowly
This tip may seem obvious but so many people continue to speed, even when the roads are covered in snow and ice. This is a leading cause of accidents in our state and across the country.
We understand you have places to be but it’s always more important to arrive alive than to arrive on time. As the days get shorter and colder this month, get into the habit of leaving earlier. This will allow you to take your time on dangerous roads without the added stress of being late. A simple five-minute buffer time could make all the difference in your safety.
Don’t Become a Number
We don’t want to see the 500 traffic deaths in our state increase this winter. Share these tips with your family and friends and please do your part to help keep our roads safe. However, while following these safety tips and the rules of the road will help prevent accidents this winter, we understand that you can’t control the actions of other drivers.
If you or a loved one are hurt due to another driver’s reckless actions, call our Colorado Springs car accident lawyers. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you’ll pay your medical bills, car repair expenses, or continue providing for your family because someone else chose to drive irresponsibly during winter weather conditions.
You can always contact us by calling (719) 520-9909 or filling out our online case evaluation form.
