It’s December, the month of seeing family and driving in different weather conditions. While we don’t see much snow in Georgia, we still have our fair share of rain and ice in the wintertime. If you plan on traveling this holiday season, you may want to brush up on your knowledge of driving in inclement weather. Here are our tips for driving in the rain, snow, and ice.
Driving in the Rain
We’ve already seen a lot of rainfall in Atlanta this year. That’s why it’s essential to know how to drive in this type of weather. However, if you are uncomfortable driving in the rain, remember that you can postpone your drive until the weather improves. It’s better to arrive alive. If you are comfortable driving in the rain, you’ll want to turn on your headlights and your windshield wipers as soon as you start driving.
Keep in mind that the roads are most dangerous when it starts to rain. During this weather, it’s crucial to drive slowly and keep a safe distance from the cars around you. Your car’s reaction time is much slower in the rain. Not only is it critical to slow down, but you’ll also want to avoid any standing water. Driving through puddles may cause your car to hydroplane. Hydroplaning happens when your vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably on a wet surface. If you hydroplane, don’t panic. Calmly take your foot off of both the gas and brake pedals, and steer your car in the direction you want to go.
Driving in the Snow
While snow is not very common in Atlanta, it does happen. Remember that our roads and vehicles are not as equipped to handle the snow as other states are, so you’ll need to be extra careful if there is snow on the ground. Driving in the snow is similar to driving in the rain. Still, again, if you’re not comfortable driving in this type of weather, it’s always okay to wait until the snow has thawed.
When driving in the snow, it’s essential to maintain a slower speed and pay attention to your surroundings. Snow can be dangerous, and jerky movements can cause your tires to lose their grip on the road. When you turn the wheel, push the brakes, and accelerate, you’ll want to make sure that every movement is deliberate, gentle, and gradual. You should also think about your route and anticipate the turns and hills. You’ll also want to carry some extra supplies with you, like a snow shovel and some salt.
Driving in the Ice
While driving in the rain and snow is risky, operating a vehicle in the ice is dangerous. In the winter, Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs do see more ice on the roads, which is why it’s essential to think ahead. The safest way to drive in icy conditions is not to drive at all. Your life is much more important than a meeting. However, if you have to get on the road, you’ll want to be aware and cautious of the road and other vehicles.
When it’s cold, it’s essential to keep in mind that the air will warm faster than the pavement, so your car’s thermometer is not the best way to see if there is ice on the road. To get a better read on how cold it is, you should check for ice on your mirrors, windshield wipers, and any street signs. In Georgia, we often get black ice, which is thin ice that looks like standing water. To drive safely, you’ll want to slow down and be patient. Be vigilant of shady areas that might not get much sun to melt the ice, and avoid driving in the dark.
If you’ve been injured, call an experienced personal injury attorney like Riah Greathouse at Greathouse Trial Law
Being conscientious while driving in the rain, snow, and ice is key to arriving safely to your destination. However, accidents can still happen. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the car accident attorneys at Greathouse Trial Law are here to help. We want to partner with you on your claim and negotiate with your insurance company to get a settlement that will meet your needs.
Contact us today at (678) 310-2827 or complete our online form for your free case evaluation. Our personal injury law firm aims to serve the great people of Atlanta and to give a voice to the voiceless.
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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
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