There are many misconceptions about Canada. For one, some people think we live in igloos. However, as far-fetched as these beliefs about our climate might be, winter is icy, it’s snowy, and we could even build igloos from all the snow we get at times. If you live in Canada, or North America for that matter, and you drive, then you should know how to drive in slippery winter conditions. When winter approaches and drivers are inexperienced, the best accident lawyers and Toronto personal injury lawyers get calls for preventable automobile crashes that happen because of poor driving decisions. It’s time to make preparation a priority, not an option, when it comes to winter driving.
Preparing for Winter Driving Conditions
Rule #1: If winter conditions are so bad that when you look out the window, a blizzard is completely covering every object in sight, it’s time to question whether or not it is safe to drive. If avoidable—don’t drive in these conditions. If you must drive in these conditions, preparation is necessary. Make sure that you give yourself extra time to get to where you are going, and always let someone know where you are going before you leave. Pull over to a safe place if the weather becomes more extreme when you are on the road. Always keep your fuel tank half-full (at least) before you even attempt to drive.
Rule #2: Make sure that your car is always visible before you head out. Impaired visibility can lead to serious accidents requiring the best accident lawyer or Toronto personal injury lawyer to help you with your case after the accident occurs. Before you begin driving, remove the snow and ice from your vehicle and clear your windows so that you have maximum visibility when driving. Take shelter if you are blinded by a whiteout on the road, and make safety a priority as well.
Rule #3: If a car accident does occur, you need to be prepared to call for help. Keep your cell phone fully charged before you begin driving. If you are in an area where there is limited cell reception, it might be beneficial to invest in a citizen’s band radio.
These are tips that will help you to drive safely through a whiteout or blizzard, and if a car accident does happen, hiring the best accident lawyers or Toronto personal injury lawyers will help prove that you are not at-fault in the car accident. There is always a car at-fault in an accident, despite unfavourable weather conditions, according to the Fault Determination Rules. So be sure to drive defensively, safely, and be prepared before you begin your travels. Book an appointment with a Sokoloff lawyer if you have been involved in a winter driving accident, or ask us questions and get to know us in a free consultation!
Sources:
http://caa.ca/docs/eng/winterdrivingbrochure_en.pdf