At the Mancini Law Group, P.C., our personal injury attorneys in Chicago know better than most that when the winter months are upon us, the cold, snow, and ice bring dangerous conditions to our roadways without notice.

While our Cook County personal injury lawyers pride ourselves in producing maximum justice and maximum results for car accident clients throughout Illinois, we sincerely hope you never need us.

Here are a few tips to help you travel through the winter holiday season safely.

Cold-Weather Driving Tips That Can Help Keep You Safe Throughout Illinois

Even before the snow and ice become a mainstay throughout Chicago and most of Illinois during the winter months, the cold weather is all but inevitable.

To ensure you can remain safe from the freezing elements, consider the following tips:

• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, like a garage, so you are not dangerously impacted by carbon monoxide fumes.
• Always keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle during the winter months to both maximize its output, and avoid air entering the fuel pump, so you can continue to run the vehicle for warmth, even if you have a flat tire or another issue.
• Have your car inspected to ensure the tires are properly inflated, and the brakes, transmission, and other components are in proper working order.
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes non-perishable food, water, flashlight, glass scraper, blankets, extra clothes, any necessary medications, or other items that you need for safety if you were to become stranded in the cold until help can arrive.

Winter Weather Driving Tips Can Help Keep You Safe on Snow & Ice

Once the snow and ice make their way into Illinois, travel conditions can become treacherous.

To help stay safe while driving on ice or snow, consider the following tips:

• Only go out if necessary during winter storms to avoid taking unnecessary risks.
• Slow down to account for lower traction conditions when driving on snow or ice.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, including ice and snow.
• Brake and accelerate slowly to regain traction and avoid losing control of the vehicle.
• Increase your following distance to five to six seconds to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of you if/when traffic stops abruptly.
• Do not apply extra pressure on the gas pedal on snow-covered roads, as it will just make your wheels spin.
• Keep moving forward, when possible, even at a decreased/slow speed to avoid getting stuck in the snow.

Additional Tips for Staying Safe on Our Illinois Roadways This Winter

The best approach to staying safe on our Illinois roadways this winter is to be prepared.

• Check the weather before you leave, so you know what to expect along your route — especially if you are traveling a long distance for a holiday gathering.
• Before you leave, let someone know which direction/route you are traveling, so they know when to expect you or can help in case you have an emergency.
• Take a cellphone charger to ensure you can communicate with friends, family, and law enforcement officers if there is an emergency. Remember, it is never safe and is unlawful to use a handheld device behind the wheel.
• Stay with your vehicle if you become stranded, so you are protected from the elements while you call for help. Keep an interior light on, so other vehicles can see you on the side of the road.

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.