The holidays are here, and with them come lots of travel plans. Many choose to visit family by driving, but the wintery roads can be dangerous. This doesn’t have to be a deterrent from visiting loved ones this time of year—here are a few tips to ensure that you and your family stay safe on your travels this holiday season.
Tips for Icy Roads
As a desert state, New Mexican drivers can lack experience driving in icy conditions. One of the most important tips for driving in icy conditions is to maintain a low speed so that you have time to react to other drivers. When it comes to braking on icy roads, make sure to gently pump the brakes several times as opposed to just pressing down on the brake pedal. This will prevent slipping and will allow you to stop faster. Slamming the brakes can cause you to lose control of your car. If you find yourself slipping on ice, turn the wheel in the direction of the skid to get your car back in the right direction.
Tips for Snow
When it comes to driving in the snow, many of the same tips for driving on ice can be applied. Always drive slowly and maintain a greater distance between vehicles. If you find yourself having to drive on a hill, avoid powering up the hill to prevent the wheels from spinning. Try to gain momentum on a flat stretch of road before reaching the hill to let it carry you to the top. If you find yourself stuck in the snow, do not leave your vehicle in search of help. This will make it harder for rescuers to find you, and your vehicle can provide temporary shelter while you wait for help to arrive. Another safety tip is to inform someone of your estimated time of arrival so that they can contact emergency services if they do not hear from you.
Other Drivers & Passengers
Even if you find yourself driving in optimal weather conditions, it is important to still remain alert and aware. Many people are in a rush during the holiday season, and being aware can prevent car accidents from other drivers running red lights, speeding, and cutting off other vehicles. Always be sure to follow the rules of the road. Passengers can also cause a distraction. It can be challenging to keep your eyes on the road if there is commotion in the back, or if you are engaging in conversation with passengers.
Even if you feel confident on the road in a four-wheel drive vehicle, or are confident in your driving skills, always be sure to exercise caution. If you find yourself in a car accident in New Mexico, be sure to first contact emergency services. After that, call the vehicle accident attorney you can trust. The Dinelli Law Firm can help you navigate every step of the process so that you can receive the compensation you deserve. Call us at (505) 582-2157 or contact us online to receive a free consultation.