Do you know how to drive in bad weather, including snow and rain? Do you have a vehicle safety checklist for the winter? During Thanksgiving weekend, Las Vegas residents saw flurries of snow and rain showers. Were you prepared for the dark and dangerous driving conditions? Here we will provide a vehicle safety checklist for the winter. We will also provide winter driving safety tips.
While we hope these tips help to keep you safe, we understand that accidents can happen. If you or a loved one are injured in a car accident contact Anthem Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
Vehicle Safety
Safe winter driving includes vehicle maintenance. Are you planning to venture out in the cold winter weather? If you plan to drive, then check that your vehicle is in safe working order before you leave.
Vehicle Safety Checklist
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that you include the seven following items on your vehicle safety checklist:
- Battery. When the temperature drops, battery power drops. In cold weather, gasoline and diesel engines take more battery power to start. In electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, a cold battery reduces the driving range. Check your battery, charging system, and belts and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
- Lights. Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights. Check your trailer brake lights and turn signals, if necessary.
- Cooling System. Make sure your coolant is full. Your coolant should meet the manufacturer’s specifications. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for specific recommendations on coolant. Check your cooling system for leaks and test the coolant. Drain or replace old coolant as needed.
- Windshield Fluid. You can go through a lot of windshield wiper fluid in a single snow or rainstorm. Keep your vehicle’s windshield fluid reservoir full. Keep spare windshield fluid in the vehicle.
- Wipers and Defrosters. Make sure defrosters and windshield wipers work. Check both the front and rear wipers. Replace any worn blades.
- Floor Mats. Improperly installed floor mats increase the risk of a crash. Improperly installed floor mats can interfere with the operation of the pedals, including the accelerator and brake pedal. Use floor mats that are the correct size and fit for your vehicle.
- Tires. As the outside temperature drops, so does tire inflation pressure. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure. Check tires when they are cold. “Cold” means you haven’t driven the car for at least three hours.
All of the safety tips we’ve provided should stand you in good stead during winter driving in Nevada. If you should become a victim in a car accident this winter (or anytime), don’t wait to get expert legal representation. Call Anthem Injury Lawyers at (702) 857-6000. Our auto accident attorneys offer the experience you need to get the best possible outcome for your case. Call us today and set up an appointment for your free consultation.
For a free legal consultation, call (702) 857-6000
Winter Driving Tips – Before You Go
After you have completed your vehicle safety checklist, do the following before driving in winter weather:
- Limit travel.
- Only travel in winter weather when necessary.
- Leave extra time to safely travel to your destination.
- Check weather and road conditions by dialing 511 within Nevada. Dial 1-877-NV-ROADS outside of Nevada.
- Share your travel itinerary so others know when to expect you.
- Remove snow and ice from the vehicle. Clean windows, mirrors, lights, turn signals and license plates.
- Buckle up.
- Review our news and information for additional safety tips.
If you or a loved one are injured in a winter driving car accident contact 9-1-1. After you have received proper medical care, contact a personal injury attorney. For a free consultation, contact the experienced team at Anthem Injury Lawyers.
Winter Driving Tips – Bad Weather
Bad weather is a cause of many accidents in Las Vegas. According to the Nevada Driver’s Handbook, it is important to do the following when driving in bad weather:
- Slow down. The most important thing to do when driving in bad weather is to slow down. Stopping distances on slippery roads maybe two to ten times greater than on dry pavement.
- Focus your eyes and mind. Fog, rain, and snow all impede vision. Remember, if you have driving difficulties, other drivers will have the same difficulties.
- Give other drivers plenty of space.
- Pay attention to the tail lights on vehicles in front of you.
With all the variables present during winter driving, it’s no wonder accidents happen. If you become a victim in a car accident, ensure that you receive just compensation for your injuries. Anthem Injury Lawyers offers the experience you need to bring your case to a positive conclusion. Let the experts at Anthem Injury Lawyers in Las Vegas represent you; we offer a free initial consultation. It’s easy to schedule yours, simply call (702) 857-6000 today.
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Snow and Ice
Las Vegas has cool winter temperatures and is no stranger to ice, and even snow. It is easy to feel stressed in unfamiliar weather conditions. However, you can make driving on snow and ice a bit safer if you review the following safety tips:
- Use all-weather radial tires, snow tires or chains.
- Be cautious. Even properly equipped vehicles can slide on ice or snow-packed roads.
- Get the feel of the roadway. Start out slow, then gently test your brakes to find out how well you can stop.
- Start slowing down long before you come to an intersection or turn.
- Keep a safe distance.
- Reduce speed. There is no such thing as a completely safe speed on snow and ice. Each city block or stretch of highway may be different. Road conditions change with the sun, shade, and amount of sanding.
- Avoid sudden changes in speed or direction. In general, gentle braking will allow you to slow down and stop safely. Gentle breaking uses a slow light touch and release pattern. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), activate the anti-lock feature with a firm, continuous pressure on the brake pedal.
- Keep windows and windshield clear.
- Allow yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination.
- If your vehicle has studded snow tires, install and use them between October 1 and April 30.
As the temperatures drop in the Las Vegas area, the likelihood of a weather-related accident increases. We hope these tips help you and your family stay safe. If you are injured in a winter driving accident, you should speak with a personal injury lawyer. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today. We have a team of experienced personal injury lawyers and staff. We are conveniently located in Henderson and offer free consultations.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Rain
Las Vegas is one of the driest places in North America. However, when it does rain in Las Vegas, the storms are sudden and the rain is heavy. When driving in a Nevada rainstorm, the Nevada Department of Transportation recommends drivers use the following safety precautions:
- Dry soles of shoes on vehicle carpeting or rubber matting if possible. Wet shoes may slide from pedals.
- Be aware and avoid flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross running or flooded water.
- Buckle up.
- Turn on headlights.
- Defrost windows if necessary, both before and while driving.
- Reduce speed. Speed limits are for normal weather conditions, not rainy conditions.
- Wipers must be on when driving in rain or snow.
- Keep additional distance from other vehicles.
- Watch for other vehicles and pedestrians.
- Turn off cruise control to reduce hydroplaning.
- Brake earlier and with less force than you would in normal driving conditions.
- Turn slower.
- Do not slam on brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped vehicles. Pump the brakes if necessary, on non-ABS vehicles.
- If your vehicle begins to skid, steer in the direction of slide and slowly remove foot from the accelerator.
- Temporarily pull off the road to a safe location if you have difficulty seeing the roadway or other traffic.
Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorneys
A winter driving accident can injure the most cautious driver. If you or a loved one suffer a personal injury while driving in Nevada, speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer today. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of accident injury lawyers.
We are conveniently located in Henderson. We also work with clients all over the Las Vegas Valley, including North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Spring Valley, Anthem, and the Strip.
Contact us today for a Free Consultation at (702) 857-6000.
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