How to Stay Safe on Illinois Roads During Winter Weather
At the Mancini Law Group, P.C., our personal injury attorneys in Chicago know better than most that when the winter months arrive, cold weather, snow, and ice can create dangerous and unpredictable road conditions across Illinois.
While our Cook County personal injury lawyers pride ourselves on achieving maximum justice and maximum results for car accident victims, our true goal is to help Illinois drivers avoid accidents altogether.
Below are essential safety tips for traveling through the cold & snow in Illinois this holiday season.
Cold-Weather Driving Safety Tips in Illinois
Even before snow and ice become common, Illinois winter weather can be hazardous. To stay safe in freezing temperatures, follow these tips:
- Never warm up your vehicle in an enclosed space, such as a garage, to avoid deadly carbon monoxide exposure
- Keep at least half a tank of gas at all times to prevent fuel-line issues and allow continued warmth if stranded
- Have your vehicle inspected to ensure tires, brakes, transmission, and heating systems are functioning properly
- Carry an emergency winter kit, including blankets, food, water, a flashlight, ice scraper, medications, and extra clothing
These cold-weather driving tips can significantly reduce your risk of injury or breakdown during winter travel.
Driving Safely on Snow & Ice in Illinois
Once snow and ice cover Illinois roadways, driving conditions become extremely dangerous. To reduce your risk of a winter car accident, consider the following:
- Only travel during winter storms if absolutely necessary
- Reduce speed to account for limited traction
- Avoid using cruise control on snow or ice
- Brake and accelerate slowly to maintain control
- Increase following distance to five or six seconds
- Avoid spinning tires by applying gentle pressure to the accelerator
- Keep moving slowly when possible to avoid getting stuck
These winter driving safety tips can help prevent serious collisions and injuries.
Additional Illinois Winter Travel Safety Tips
Preparation is key when navigating Illinois winter roads:
- Check weather forecasts before traveling
- Share your travel route with a trusted person
- Bring a cell phone charger for emergencies (never use handheld devices while driving)
- If stranded, stay inside your vehicle, turn on hazard lights, and remain visible to passing drivers
Contact Our Chicago Personal injury Attorney at Mancini Law Group P. C.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver anywhere in Illinois, contact our experienced Chicago personal injury attorneys at Mancini Law Group P.C by phone at 773-745-1909 or online to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case today.
