How to stay safe on the winter roads

Florida roads can still become icy and snowy in the winter, so drivers will want to know how they can stay safe during this season. It all starts with knowing a few basic facts. For example, the faster a person drives, the less traction there is on the road. Since icy and wet roads already cause tires to lose some of their traction, speeding is out of the question in winter.

Another fact to remember is that sudden accelerating and braking can cause the wheels to spin uselessly or the car to lose control. Applying slight pressure to the accelerator with the heel is enough. Drivers must know how to brake properly with automatic braking and features like brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Whenever possible, drivers will want to avoid braking to a complete stop because accelerating afterward poses a safety risk. When approaching a red light, try to keep some momentum. Going uphill is another time when momentum is important. Ideally, a driver should not have to accelerate on a slippery incline. Once at the crest, drivers should beware of oncoming traffic.

Tailgating is never a good idea. On the contrary, drivers should increase the distance between themselves and the vehicle in front to a minimum of five or six seconds.

Drivers are expected to know these things and act accordingly. If they speed or act in some other negligent way and cause car accidents, they will be held liable. Their auto insurance company may face a claim from the injured party. As for the victims themselves, they may want to hire a lawyer to assist with every step from the gathering of evidence to the negotiating of a settlement. If successful, a claim could cover things like lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering.