(Photo: Filip Mroz on Unsplash)
While we’re just a little over a month into the new year, Akron city crews have been battling numerous bouts of ice and snow. With the winter season in full effect, it is important to avoid accidents by following a few helpful tips when tackling the icy roads.
Let’s state the obvious first; always have your seat belt on. Also, reduce your speed; slowing down is the most important thing you can do when driving on ice or snow.
Avoid ice where possible
With more snow on the horizon, make it a priority to avoid icy roads, and wait for the threat to pass. Do not risk the inconvenience of a possible car wreck, or worse, the loss of a life. This means keeping an eye on the weather forecast, and always be aware of a possible threat of a winter storm or other bad weather conditions.
Use the brakes
Be wary of brake application on icy roads. This being said, keep a safe following distance. Car accidents on icy roads are usually not isolated and can often be found in multiple or pile-up accidents. If you feel like your car is sliding or fishtailing, use turning into the slide as a mechanism to gain control of the car. Reduce your speed by gradually taking your foot off of the accelerator.
As a road user, it is your responsibility to ensure that you drive in a manner that is safe, especially when weather conditions are unfavorable. Speed kills, and that statement is not designed to scare drivers, but to make them aware that driving could potentially put your life and others at risk. Common sense is safety assurance.
