10 Tips For Driving Safe This Winter

Winter weather is here, and that means you need to take some extra precautions to stay safe when you’re on the roads. Ice and snow significantly increase your risks for accidents.

If you have been injured in a winter car accident in Vancouver, the experienced car accident attorneys at Warnett Hallen are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free legal review, call us or fill out our online contact form today.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

These 10 tips can help keep you and your loved ones stay safe and sound:

1. Change your wiper blades as needed and keep your windshield fluid topped off at all times. Never leave with ice or snow on your windows. Take the time to remove icy buildup using a scraper and your defroster. You can also whip up a homemade batch of de-icer using one part water and three parts isopropyl alcohol.
2. Clear off the snow. Icy windows aren’t the only obstacle blocking your view. Use your snow brush to get rid of snow on your hood, trunk, and roof as well, and don’t forget to brush all snow off from around your headlights, tail lights and brake lights.
3. Speaking of lights, use them. Even if you have daytime running lights, when it’s snowing out, you need all the visibility you can get – both to see where you’re going and to help other drivers see you. Use your full lights during bad weather and any time when daylight is poor.
4. Throw some shade. Sunglasses aren’t just for summer days; they cut glare from snow and ice, too – plus they provide important protection for your eyes. Wear them year round. Ideally, glasses designed for glare protection.
5. Choose your footwear wisely. Chunky snow boots may keep your toes toasty, but they also can interfere with your ability to use the brake pedal effectively, which means they can reduce your reaction time and increase your risk for collisions. If you need to wear snow boots for warmth and protection, keep a second pair of shoes handy and change into those before hitting the roads.
6. Invest in winter tires. It may seem like a big expenditure, but tires designed for winter weather can make a huge impact on your ability to stay safe while you’re on the road. If you already have winter tires, check them now and then to make sure they’re still in good shape or if they need to be replaced.
7. Adjust your driving habits. Even with winter tires on your car and full lights blazing, that doesn’t mean you can drive like its summer. Be mindful of your speed and your following distances, and if you have an appointment or you need to be at work by a specific time, plan to leave early to avoid rushing.
8. Check your roadside assistance plan through your insurance company or other providers. Don’t have roadside assistance? Now – right now– is the time to look into it.
9. Pack an emergency kit for your trunk. Have some flares, jumper cables, an extra blanket and a flashlight on hand. Keep your phone charging while you’re driving or carry a spare battery pack just in case.
10. Finally, when the weather is really bad, do all you can to avoid going out at all. Stock up on the essentials – basic food and, yes, toilet paper – and be prepared to hunker down. Reschedule your appointments, and if you have the ability to work from home, so much the better. If you must go out, let your friends, family or coworkers know where you’re going and when you expect to arrive.

Contact Warnett Hallen LLP for A Personal Consultation Today

If you do wind up getting into an accident this winter – or any time of the year – having someone on your side is important for making sure your rights are protected. As a top personal injury attorney in Vancouver, our experienced attorneys are skilled in handling auto accident cases, and they’re ready to help you.

To find out more, call Warnett Hallen LLP at 604-737-3300 or use our online contact form to schedule a personal consultation today.

Originally published January 2018, updated November 2020.