You’re probably not surprised that we get plenty of business in the winter. We do offer emergency towing services, after all. Although there’s a risk of car accidents year-round, winter conditions make the roads especially treacherous. Even experienced drivers who have learned to drive in the New England winter can find themselves in need of a tow if they get careless. While driving more carefully won’t guarantee that you will avoid an accident, you can greatly reduce your risk by being smart and alert.
Reduce your risk of needing to call for emergency towing services this winter. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes of winter car accidents.
Speeding on Dangerous Roads
Even if you’re not breaking the speed limit, driving too fast in dangerous conditions greatly increases your chances of getting in an accident. Hitting a slippery curve too fast can make you lose control of your vehicle and send you off the road. A good rule of thumb is to reduce your speed by at least 5 to 10 miles per hour when driving in wintry conditions. If you’re driving too fast and your car hits black ice, it can be very difficult to regain control of your vehicle.
Following Too Closely
Tailgating isn’t just obnoxious; it’s illegal and dangerous. If the driver in front of you has to stop suddenly, you won’t have enough time to stop without hitting them. When the roads are slippery, your stopping distance is longer than usual, so you need more space between you and the car ahead. Even if you’re just coming to a stop at a traffic light, you don’t want to misjudge your stopping distance and hit someone.
Reduced Visibility
Light snowfall can turn into whiteout conditions without warning. When that happens, you can’t continue driving as you were. Slow down and consider pulling over until visibility improves, if it’s safe to do so. It also gets darker earlier in the wintertime, so make sure your headlights are on so you can see and be seen.
Poor Vehicle Preparation
Another common cause of winter accidents is failing to prepare your vehicle. Bald tires or inadequate tire tread are common culprits. If your tires aren’t prepared to handle icy and snowy roads, it’s much more difficult to maintain traction and control. Check your tire tread periodically throughout the winter and check your tire pressure about once a week, especially when the temperature is below freezing. Tire pressure goes down by about 1 PSI for every 10-degree drop in temperature.
Emergency Towing Services from Viking Towing
No matter how well prepared you are, accidents can still happen. If you need a tow this winter, Viking Towing is here to help. We offer 24/7 towing, so you can always rely on us if you find yourself in an emergency situation.
