Winters are long and cold and can also be more dangerous. It can give rise to all kinds of accidents that may not happen at other times of the year. These accidents can lead to lawsuits and other legal issues for which you may need an accident lawyer.
However, the ideal situation is one where nothing bad happens. It’s not just driving you need to worry about but even walking can hold some dangers, especially if you are not careful. The modern age has so many distractions that one could so easily get hurt badly and even killed if not showing greater care and responsibility during the treacherous winter season.
Here are some tips you should follow to stay safe and hopefully, avoid having to see an accident lawyer.
1. Wear Appropriate Footwear
Though you may think that this is a no-brainer, how many times have you seen some people still wearing high heels? People also wear shoes with smooth soles, a recipe for disaster. Walking is a great way to keep in shape even during winter, but wearing appropriate footwear is essential. Shoes and boots with thick, grooved soles offer better stability on snow and ice. This increases your safety. A slip and fall can easily occur and if you are older with several issues already, it can cause a bad injury. Make sure your footwear is also waterproof and well-insulated.
2. Don’t Text & Walk
Obviously, do not ever text while driving. Not only does it endanger your life but it endangers everyone else’s as well. Besides, it’s against the law, isn’t it? However, texting while you walk can also pose a threat especially when the surface has snow and ice. Someone texting while walking is completely focused on the activity and not on maintaining their balance. The position one takes up when texting and walking is conducive to falls. If you slip and fall on your head, it could result in a serious injury.
3. Use Designated Walkways
In bad weather, you need to concentrate more when you walk. You also need to walk in designated walkways. That means, try to avoid short cuts that may be somewhat treacherous, especially if you have to climb a pile of snow or walk on a frozen area. This could cause you to lose your footing.
4. Safety When Driving
Road conditions are going to be pretty bad and therefore, dangerous. Acceleration and braking may not perform like they should which can cause risky situations. Obviously, you need to drive slower and keep a safe distance from the car ahead of you. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert. Make sure to check your battery and fill up on antifreeze. Be prepared when driving in bad conditions.
5. Install Winter Tires
For a safer driving experience, make sure that you switch to winter tires. They offer a lot more traction when compared to all-season tires. Acceleration and braking performance in particular are more effective, making it safer.
Bad weather conditions mean that anything can happen at any time, taking you by surprise. Have a winter safety kit in the car. These include things like a flashlight, windshield wiper fluid, a shovel, traction mats and a reflective vest so that you are visible to others in case you need help. A blanket can also be useful. Practice safety during the winter season so that you stay safe and unhurt, otherwise you may require an accident lawyer to get you out of a fix.