Dodge the Danger: How to Avoid Winter Pothole Accidents
Winter potholes can cause serious car accidents and vehicle damage. Learn how to avoid them and what to do after a Connecticut crash.
DODGE THE DANGER: HOW TO AVOID WINTER POTHOLE ACCIDENTS
Winter Pothole Driving Strategies
Protecting Your Car & Yourself
During the winter season, potholes typically increase in number and severity. Why is this? When the temperature freezes, water that has previously seeped into the pavement, expands and causes the cracks to widen and deepen. Snow plows and salt add to the increase in potholes due to the dislodge in loose pavement. Here are some helpful tips to minimize the risk of damage to you and your vehicle during the winter season.
Awareness is Key
- Scan the Road: Being aware of your surroundings while driving in the winter is crucial. It is important to scan the road ahead for potholes. Be on the lookout for traffic signs that signal puddles, cracked pavement, and uneven surfaces.
- Drive Defensively: Assume potholes are present in winter due to the temperature changes. Potholes are likely to be formed on roads that are less frequently maintained.
Maneuvering Techniques
- Avoidance: When approaching a pothole, smoothly steer around the area if possible. Avoid sudden swerving, which can be more dangerous than hitting the pothole.
- If Unavoidable: If it is not possible to steer around the pothole, reduce your speed as much as safely possible before hitting the pothole. If you can’t avoid it, try to hit the pothole squarely with the center of your tire. If braking is necessary, release the brakes slightly before hitting the pothole to minimize impact.
Vehicle Maintenance
- Proper Tire Inflation: Maintaining proper tire pressure while driving in the winter can help absorb the shock of running over a pothole.
- Suspension Check: Ensure your vehicle’s suspension system is in good condition.
MCCOY & MCCOY LAW FIRM
CT Personal Injury Lawyers
Established in the 1960s, the law firm of McCoy & McCoy continues to provide residents of Connecticut with reliable, sympathetic, and efficient legal help in the areas of accident claims, personal injury, and wrongful deaths. With over 50+ years of combined experience, our team compromises Connecticut natives who have a passion for justice and the local communities we live in.
Few law firms that practice personal injury can truthfully state that 100% of efforts are allocated to cases involving serious injuries. We understand these cases involve complex legal theories and that our clients face added obstacles created by catastrophic injuries through no fault of their own.
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