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Winter Traffic Safety Tips

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at Mike Agruss Law.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Over 8000+ consumer rights cases settled.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

Although we’re still about a week away from the official start of winter, its weather has already arrived in a cold front sweeping the U.S. and we’d like to offer some tips to stay safe and fully prepared for snow, icy roads, and all else that comes with this season.

Preparation can make all the difference when you keep your vehicle stocked with a few essentials. Keep a flashlight, blanket, small amounts of food and water, and even a shovel or snow-removal products like salt in case your car becomes trapped in snow or you’re temporarily unable to exit it. Some types of windshield wiper fluid are more suitable for low temperatures, so consider researching this option and, if nothing else, be sure you have enough fluid in case you need it later.

It may also be helpful to keep your gas tank at least half-full at all times; you will need the heat and power if you become stranded or trapped in snow, and you will thank yourself later for removing any concerns about running out of gas in the cold.

Tires are often divided into “all-season tires” and “winter tires.” Despite what “all-season” may suggest, however, they are not necessarily the ideal tires for winter, so if you do a lot of driving this time of year, consider investing in winter tires. These are designed with a unique tread to withstand a wide range of winter conditions, including ice, rain, sleet, and snow.

When sharing the road with snow-plows, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Avoid passing a snow-plow on the right side, as they are designed to move snow on the road to the right. Passing on the right could not only drive snow and slush directly into your tires (especially on-low speed roads), but also damage your vehicle’s exterior by coming into contact with the front plow or the vehicle itself.
  • Always leave extra stopping distance between you and a snow-plow ahead of you. They can slow or stop at unpredictable times (which is all the more dangerous on snowy or icy roads) and also drop salt, sand, or other materials into the road, which can be bad for your tires if you follow too closely.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to negligence, contact Mike Agruss Law for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, Mike Agruss Law is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.

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