With the winter months upon us, it is important to take a moment and be sure that you and your vehicle are prepared for winter to reduce your risk of being in a Kansas City car accident. The winter months can be, and typically are, tough for most vehicles.
Snow and ice can prevent many people from engaging in their typical activities. When the thermometer drops and the rain turns to ice or snow, it can be a great burden for many people. Most cars are not equipped for the snow. Many vehicles are designed to function in hazardous conditions, but not designed to handle such conditions. Most cars tend to slip and slide in icy or snowy conditions.
Some accidents are unavoidable. Ice can be hard to see and even harder to stop on. Snow tires can help ice and snow driving. Antilock brakes can also be of use.
The Importance of Antilock Brakes
Antilock brakes have been around for a long time now and can significantly increase the ability to stop in slick conditions. They work by mimicking the act of pumping the brakes. Pumping the brakes is a method of applying the brakes and releasing on and off in order to keep the wheels from locking up and skidding.
When a car drives over ice, pushing the brakes all the way down will cause the wheels to lock up and the car to lose control on the road. Anti-Lock brakes allow the wheels to lock and turn alternately, and thus, provide better control on icy surfaces.
Having a car with antilock brakes is very helpful on the ice. All new cars come with these brakes equipped. The National Highway Safety Administration mandated that all new cars have antilock brakes as of 2011.
Beyond upgrading your car with antilock brakes and snow tires, there are a few things that you can do to be prepared for winter driving. Make sure to always keep some extra water and blankets in the car in case of emergency. Carrying a shovel, some salt, and traction pads is also a good idea. Traction pads are simply some plastic or other material that is shaped into a long strip. These can be laid down in the snow and ice to help your car get traction in case you are stuck somewhere.
Tire Chains Add Traction
Another option for making your car perform better in the snow and ice are tire chains. Chains are wrapped around the tires to give better grip in the snow and ice. Chains are very effective but can be a hassle to install and use. On dry roads chains can cause quite a bit of damage. Chains can be so damaging they are sometimes banned on certain roads. They are also very hard to get on the tires. The best method is to lay the chain down and drive onto them so they can be attached.
What to Do After a Winter Wreck
Kansas City can get snow from November to March. That is plenty of time for trouble to arise. Follow these tips and the you will be less likely to get into an accident. If the worst does occur and you are in an accident, contact Krause & Kinsman Law Firm for experienced legal help.
