Staying Safe While Driving in the Louisiana Winter

Some people will tell you that the best way to stay warm in the winter in Louisiana is with red beans and rice. Others say that nothing beats étouffée for keeping you warm, while still another contingent favors beignets and hot chocolate. Unfortunately, we will probably never get to find out who is right because Louisiana winters are usually mild. There usually are not enough snowy days in one year to try out all three dishes and find out which one provides the best defense against the cold. This winter might be different, though. We have already had some snow, and there is still plenty of winter left; it is shaping up to be a very snowy King Cake season. Driving in winter weather is a challenge, and Louisiana drivers have had less practice with it than drivers in many other parts of the country. If you have been injured in an accident on a snowy or icy road in Louisiana, contact a Houma car accident lawyer.

How to Stay Safe on Icy and Snowy Roads

These are some ways that you can prevent collisions in the event of a snowstorm or wintry mix or in cold temperatures that lead to water freezing and turning to ice on the roads:

• Keep your eye on the weather reports.  If the weather forecast in your area involves snow or freezing rain, salt your driveway.  If possible, finish your errands before the winter precipitation begins so that you can avoid going out in the worst of the snow.  Buy an ice scraper for your car, or if you already have one, make sure you know where it is.  Do not drive in winter weather if your car’s brakes or lights are not working.
• Remove all of the ice from your windshield and windows before you start driving.
• Keep your headlights on while driving in the snow, even during daylight hours, just like you would with heavy rain.
• It is harder to stop on icy roads than it is on dry ones. Drive slower than the speed limit if there is snow and ice on the roads. Keep more distance between you and the vehicle in front of you than you normally would. This way, you will not have to use your brakes as often.
• If you must brake on an icy, snowy, or wet road, the best way to avoid sliding and losing control of your car is to pump the brakes gently instead of braking in a sustained manner.  It takes more time and distance to stop this way, but it is less risky.
• You should always avoid distractions while driving, especially in icy or snowy conditions.

Remember that bridges freeze first because there is cold air underneath them. A bridge might be icy even if the nearby road is not.

Car Accident Lawyer Near Me

A car accident lawyer can help you recover your accident-related financial losses after a car accident caused by icy road conditions.  Contact the Law Office of Patrick H. Yancey in Houma, Louisiana, to set up a consultation about your case.

Sources

https://973thedawg.com/ixp/34/p/tips-for-driving-on-snow-ice-louisiana/