What Should you be Aware of When Driving in Cold Conditions?

Cold weather is the time when most road accidents occur. The reasons may be fog, poor visions, and thunderstorms, slippery and icy roads. Whatever the reason is, the cold weather ruthlessly takes about 2000 deaths every season and nearly half a million injuries.  Though it is always recommended to avoid the risk by not traveling until it’s really important but we also understand that traveling cannot always be avoided and no matter what but in case you are traveling on a cold night you are prone to a very high risk of an accident. Here are some driving tips to be safe in this cold weather while driving, these include two types of preparations; one for the vehicle and the other for the driver:

Prepare Your Vehicle for the Cold Weather

While winters can be harsh for human beings it can be harsh for your vehicle too. You need to prepare your motor to hit the icy cold roads before the start of the season. Here are some tips for that:

1. Check your motor’s electrical system including battery, ignition, and lights. Most of the ignition system fails in the cold winter season, make sure your car’s battery is charged and the ignition system is proper. Check all the lights of the car for proper vision during rides.
2. Check the brakes and windshields of your car. Fill the washer container with an anti-freezing fluid to ensure proper functioning.
3. Upgrade to the correct tire. This is one of the most crucial points. Use the four snow tires of the same size, company, and speed. In case you travel to the area that only receives light snowfall then opt for radial tires otherwise chains or studded tires work best for the areas that receive heavy snow.
4. Check the tire pressure and tire wear. Tires have to wear indicators inside their grooves. If the tread is close to the wear indicator, replace the tire.
5. Check the exhaust system. Make sure your exhaust pipe is not blocked with snow every time you travel.
6. Also, check the radiator for extremely cold conditions. Make sure the defrosters work properly and your car has enough anti-freezing fluid.
7. Make sure your gas tanker is full before you take a ride. Change the oil or oil filter in your car since oil thickens in cold weather.
8. Warm-up your car in an open space before starting your actual journey. Don’t warm up in the garage since it has the potential to cause carbon monoxide toxicity.

Prepare Yourself for the Ride

While you have fully prepared your vehicle, it’s time for you to gear up as well.

1. Plan your trip properly. Check the weather forecast beforehand to be safe. Try to travel in the day time when you have proper vision and light.
2. Drive slowly. Remember it’s better to be late than never. Don’t rush and give yourself proper time to compose. Leave more distance to the vehicle next to you to be safe.
3. Keep your essentials with you, this includes warm clothing, a fully charged phone, a torch, first aid kit, emergency food, and even an ice shovel and scraper.
4. In case you caught any accident, call the police and contact your best road traffic accident solicitors for further assistance. Just don’t panic.

Be safe on roads and try to minimize your travel to ensure safe driving this cold season.