Indiana’s First Snowfall Reminds Hoosiers To Put Their Winter Driving
Skills Back To Work

Hoosiers across several areas of Indiana recently saw their first snowfall
of the season. Although the snow was mostly light, some isolated areas
generated as much as an inch or two of the white stuff and the lake effect
snow quickly created low visibility in parts of north central Indiana.
While the sight of that first winter dusting is expected this time of
year, the increased chance of being involved in a winter weather related
car wreck is also more prevalent. At Wagner Reese, we want you to remember
those winter driving skills and techniques to keep yourself and others
safe on the road.

Winter Driving Requires Different Driving Techniques

Driving becomes such an instinctive activity for us that we think it may
not require our active attention to make quick changes for safe traveling.
Since Indiana residents are most likely using winter driving techniques
for just a few months each year, it can be easy to fall back on normal
driving maneuvers. Here are a few helpful reminders intended to keep you
safe this season:

  • Wake up a bit earlier so you can warm up your dash to easily remove snow
    and ice from your vehicle before you hit the road. Most people cheat this
    rule big time, usually in an attempt to get to work on time. Leave yourself
    the time to clear your car off completely, especially the windows, lights,
    and all areas whether blowing snow could cause visibility issues (i.e.
    the hood, roof, and top of trunk).
  • Increase your following distance with the car in front of you from the
    “normal” weather recommendation of four seconds to around
    8-10 seconds. This will prevent rear-end accidents (or tragic intersection
    accidents) caused when you cannot stop in time.
  • Drive in the most recently cleared lanes, especially on highways. It is
    much easier for a driver to lose control of their vehicle when crossing
    over the slush and ice build-up between lanes.
  • Never use cruise control on wet or icy surfaces. You may actually lose control!
  • If you are headed on a road trip or a long drive, stay updated on all the
    traffic and road construction happening by mapping your route in advance
    and knowing what you are headed into.

The dangers of winter driving extend far beyond snow, however. Ice, slush,
fog, blowing snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures all pose a threat
to Indiana drivers and can contribute to a serious winter driving accident.

Stay Safe and Connected with Us This Winter

During the winter driving season, we are all relying on one another to
keep our community safe. Over the next few weeks, we will continue to
write about winter driving topics on this blog and sharing tips for traveling
during this time on our
Facebook page. Stay tuned for when we talk about navigating through slush, sharing icy
roads with big trucks, and knowing what to do if involved in an interstate
accident this winter. Until then, please drive safely and enjoy the beautiful
winter season!

If tragedy strikes and you or someone you love is injured in a winter related
driving accident, please call the
vehicular accident attorneys at Wagner Reese for a free consultation. We put decades of experience
to work for you, and we won’t collect any fees unless your case
is settled or won. Connect with us by
submitting our online form, and our attorneys will review your information, and respond promptly.
If you wish to speak directly with us, please call (888) 204-8440.