Everything You Need To Know About Car Accidents Taking Place On Slippery Roads

Car accidents are common on roads and highways, and they can be even more dangerous and deadly when the roads are slippery. Driving on slippery roads requires extra caution and attention to avoid accidents, whether due to rain, snow, sleet, or ice. 

Here is everything you need to know about car accidents taking place on slippery roads and how you can reduce the risk of being involved in one. Contact Rutland VT Personal Injury Attorney for legal information. 

Understanding the danger of slippery roads

First, it is important to understand why slippery roads are so dangerous. When roads are slippery, they reduce the amount of traction a vehicle has with the road. This can make it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles, leading to skidding, sliding, and loss of traction. 

Additionally, wet roads can cause hydroplaning, which occurs when a vehicle’s tires are unable to displace water, and the vehicle is essentially floating on top of the water. 

Hydroplaning can cause a complete loss of control and result in an accident.

To reduce the risk of being involved in a car accident on slippery roads, it’s important to understand the basics of safe driving. Some of the most important tips to remember include the following:

• Slow down: The first and most important rule of driving on slippery roads is to slow down. Driving too fast for the conditions can increase the risk of losing control of your vehicle and being involved in an accident.

• Increase your following distance: When roads are slippery, it takes longer for your vehicle to stop, so you should increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react. A good rule of thumb is to increase your following distance to four or five seconds.

• Prohibit sudden movements: Movements such as sharp turns, sudden braking, or quick acceleration can cause your vehicle to lose traction and become uncontrollable. Instead, make smooth, gradual movements to maintain control of your vehicle.

• Use your seatbelt: In an accident, wearing your seatbelt can reduce the risk of serious injury or death.

• Keep your vehicle’s tires properly inflated: Properly inflated tires are more likely to grip the road and maintain traction, reducing the risk of slipping and sliding on slippery roads.

• Use winter tires: If you live in an area that experiences cold weather and snow, using winter tires can provide additional traction and stability on slippery roads.

• Avoid overcorrecting: If your vehicle begins to skid or slide, it’s important to avoid overcorrecting. Overcorrecting can cause your vehicle to spin out of control, leading to a more severe accident.

• Brake gently: If you must stop your vehicle on a slippery road, brake gently and smoothly to maintain control and avoid skidding.

• Do not use cruise control: Using cruise control on slippery roads can make it more difficult to maintain control of your vehicle, especially if you need to slow down suddenly.

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