The winter holidays presents additional risks for drivers throughout Atlanta. To avoid auto accidents, it’s important for motorists to understand how to approach congested roads, distracted drivers, and slippery conditions. For more information on how to keep you and your family safe this holiday season, check out the following tips provided by our Orthopedic Doctors.
Winter Driving Tips
- Get plenty of rest before driving long distances to visit friends or relatives.
- Do not start your vehicle and allow it to warm up in an enclosed space like a garage.
- Check the air pressure in your tires to ensure they are inflated properly
- Do not allow your gas tank to dip below half to prevent gas line freeze-up.
- When driving in slippery conditions or snow, try to use your parking brake.
- Make sure that you and your passengers always wear your seatbelts.
Safety Tips For Traveling Long Distances During The Winter Holidays
- Prepare yourself for the type of weather conditions you will face by checking weather reports online. If there is a significant storm approaching your destination or the areas you’ll be traveling through, consider delaying your trip a day or two.
- Have your vehicle inspected by an AAA approved garage before your trip to ensure that everything is in tip-top condition.
- Keep an extra gasoline container stored in your vehicle at all times and make sure that it’s at least half full.
- Pack an emergency bag that includes flares, flashlights, batteries, blankets, winter clothes, dry food, and bottled water.
- Consider purchasing an AAA membership in case of your vehicle brakes down or slides off the road.
Safety Tips For Driving Through Snow Storms
- Do not stomp on your brakes if your vehicle starts to slide on ice. Instead, tap your brakes while slowing accelerating to regain traction.
- Give yourself plenty of time to slow down before approaching a stop sign or traffic light.
- Take your time and allow yourself to drive slowly.
- Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and those ahead of you – approximately eight to ten seconds.
- Try not to stop if you can. The momentum your vehicle requires to start moving from stationary positions increases substantially when resting on ice or heavy snow.
- Stay home if you can. Unless you need to travel, the best way to avoid an accident during a snow storm is not to drive at all.
Contact AICA Orthopedics For More Information
The staff at AICA Orthopedics have treated hundreds of car accident injuries caused by typical winter weather conditions and can help you, too in the event of an emergency. Just dial (404) 855-2141 to learn more safe winter driving tips or to schedule a same-day examination if you are injured this holiday season.
