Winter driving isn’t exactly one of the best parts of life in Colorado, but it is unavoidable. Instead of fighting it, it’s better just to go with it, make sure your car is prepared, and drive as safely as possible. Sometimes, no matter how carefully you drive, you end up the victim of a careless driver. When a car crash happens, we’re here to help. Call Colorado Accident Attorneys at 303-567-7981 to set up a time to meet with our team.
Once you have a good winter preparation routine in place, every winter after that will be much easier. You’ll know what you need to check on your car, what needs to be replaced, and what needs to be replenished. As a result, you’ll be ready for whatever ice, snow, and wind Colorado has to offer.
Sometimes, despite the most diligent precautions, accidents still occur. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a car crash during winter, it’s essential to seek the expertise of a seasoned car accident lawyer to navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Check Your Tires
Bald tires are a significant danger on slippery winter roads. Before winter rolls around, check your tire tread depth to see if you need new year-round tires or an upgrade to winter tires. If your tires are in good condition, check the tire pressure to see if they need air. It’s common for tire pressure to drop significantly in cold weather.
- Test Your Battery
No one wants to end up stranded on the highway in zero-degree weather with a dead battery. Check your battery charge and terminals. You should also aim to test your battery when temperatures drop, because if your vehicle is going to fail in frigid weather, you deserve to know that ahead of time. Double-check your trunk or backseat for your jumper cables and, if applicable, a portable battery charger. In case of unforeseen breakdowns or accidents on icy highways, having the contact information of a reliable car accident attorney saved in your phone can provide invaluable peace of mind and assistance in navigating legal matters swiftly and effectively.
- Get Your Brakes Checked
It’s crucial to have your brakes working at 100% when ice and snow increase your stopping distance. If you are good with vehicles, you can check your brake pads and rotors to see if they need replacements. Otherwise, take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic and ask them to check your brakes for winter driving. Taking a short test drive can also be helpful, as it allows you to test your brakes’ responsiveness in cold weather and on slick roads.
- Test Fluid Levels
This is fairly easy to do, but if you’re due for an oil change, you can also just ask them to check your fluid levels. This service is often included with your oil change for free. Check your engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. A shortage of the first two fluids could lead to a vehicle breakdown, and a lack of the second fluid could leave you unable to see in winter storm conditions.
- Ensure That Your Wipers and Defrosters Work
Do a visual check of your windshield wipers. If there are chips or rips, it may be worth replacing them. You may also want to replace them if they don’t lay flat on your windshield. Click the windshield wash button a few times to make sure that it’s still capable of cleaning your windshield—clogs can leave you with huge gaps in your vision. It’s crucial to ensure your vehicle’s safety features are in optimal condition for winter driving.
- Test All of Your Lights
Check your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Have a trusted friend help you with this. You can also test some of your lights against a garage door when it’s dark out. Clean any dusty bulbs for optimal visibility. Replace any burnt-out bulbs, and if you regularly take long trips, consider keeping replacement bulbs in your vehicle.
- Refresh Your Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit should include blankets, bottled water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit. Other useful items to include are a shovel, an ice scraper, a flashlight with a long life, and a portable cell phone charger. While preparing your emergency kit for winter driving, don’t forget to include the contact information of a reliable car accident lawyer. In case of any unfortunate incidents on the road, having legal assistance readily available can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the necessary support during difficult times.
- Plan Ahead for Long Drives
If you take long trips during winter, ensure that you are fully prepared. Even if you use GPS to guide your drive, print out paper directions as well—you never know when you’ll lose service. Pack more supplies than you think you’ll need and entrust a close loved one with your travel plans.
- Make Sure People Know Where You Are
Winter driving can get dangerous very quickly. Whenever you’re heading out, make sure a friend or family member knows where you’re going and when you expect to arrive. Should disaster strike, at least you’ll have someone following up to make sure you’re safe.
- Review Winter Driving Skills
Before the first snow of the season hits each year, spend a few minutes reviewing the basics of safe winter driving. No matter how long you’ve been driving in winter weather, a refresher is always helpful.
Injured in a Winter Crash? Call Colorado Accident Attorneys
If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a car accident, don’t wait any longer to find out if you’re entitled to compensation. Call Colorado Accident Attorneys at 303-567-7981 or get in touch online to schedule a consultation now.
