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<\/a>The best tip to avoid getting into an accident during inclement weather is to avoid driving and stay home. To elude getting caught in a storm, be sure to watch weather reports for both your location as well as your destination in an effort to delay or reschedule unnecessary long trips. If however you must venture out, take the appropriate precautions and make sure you are properly prepared.<\/p>\nMany safety precautions can be made before you even start your car. These tips include:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Avoid driving while you\u2019re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
\n\u2022 Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by a licensed mechanic.
\n\u2022 Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Also make sure your exhaust pipe isn\u2019t clogged with snow or ice
\n\u2022 Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
\n\u2022 Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
\n\u2022 Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
\n\u2022 Pack the necessary safety items such as cellular telephone, extra blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle in case you get stuck for an extended period of time
\nOnce you are in your vehicle and on the road, it is important to be extra cautious and follow these basic instructions for driving in a winter storm:
\n\u2022 Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don\u2019t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight.
\n\u2022 Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, and turning all take longer on wet surfaces than on dry pavement.
\n\u2022 Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface.
\n\u2022 Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
\n\u2022 Don\u2019t stop if you can avoid it. There\u2019s a big difference in the amount of effort it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling.
\n\u2022 When going uphill, avoid applying your brakes or attempting to accelerate. Attempting to accelerate after braking places extra pressure on your tires and will cause your wheels to spin in place.<\/p>\n
Jamaica Hospital\u2019s Trauma Division treats an increased amount of motorists during winter storms. It is our goal to have you avoid unnecessary accidents by practicing safe driving this winter.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Severe weather and snow can prove treacherous for drivers during the winter months. Every year there is an average of 500,000 motor vehicles accidents due to snowy and icy weather. Over 150,000 injuries and nearly 2,000 fatalities are reported annually … Continue reading