Slippery road conditions can turn a routine drive into a risky situation. While you can’t control the weather or road conditions, you can control how you respond to them.
Making the right decisions about speed, following distance, braking techniques, and vehicle maintenance can mean the difference between arriving safely and being involved in an accident.
In those situations, a skilled Milwaukee car accident lawyer can provide guidance and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Reduce Your Speed and Increase Following Distance
When roads become slippery due to rain, snow, or ice, your vehicle needs significantly more time and distance to stop safely. Reducing your speed is the most effective way to maintain control of your vehicle. A good rule of thumb is to drive at least 10-15 miles per hour below the posted speed limit when conditions are less than ideal.
Increasing your following distance is equally important. The standard three-second rule should be extended to at least six to eight seconds on slippery surfaces.
This extra space gives you more time to react if the vehicle ahead of you stops suddenly or loses control. When visibility is reduced due to weather conditions, this additional buffer can help prevent rear-end collisions.
Check That Your Tires and Tread Are in Good Condition
Your tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, and if they are not in good condition, it can heighten the risk of an accident. Before winter weather arrives, inspect your tires for adequate tread depth.
The penny test is a simple way to check; insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head pointing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too shallow and needs to be replaced.
Wisconsin winters can be extremely snowy and icy, so consider investing in winter tires if you have not done so already. These tires are specifically designed with rubber compounds and tread patterns that maintain flexibility and traction in cold temperatures.
Check Your Lights and Signals Before You Drive
Visibility is often compromised during rainy or snowy weather, and you want to make sure that other drivers can see you clearly.
Before heading out, test your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Clean any snow, ice, or grime from your light covers to ensure maximum brightness.
Be Calm and Take These Steps When You Start to Skid
Even with careful driving, you may encounter situations where your vehicle begins to skid. Knowing how to respond can help you regain control and avoid a serious accident:
- Stay calm and maintain your grip. Keep both hands on the steering wheel and avoid sudden movements.
- Turn your steering wheel in the same direction your rear end is sliding.
- Make small, gentle steering adjustments rather than sharp turns.
- Apply steady, gentle pressure if you have an anti-lock braking system. Use a pumping motion on your brakes if you do not have one.
- Straighten your wheels as you regain control and reduce your speed appropriately.
Were You Injured in a Car Accident on Slippery Roads?
While these safety tips can help prevent accidents on slippery roads, even the most cautious drivers can become victims of another’s negligence.
When ice, snow, or rain contributes to a collision, determining liability becomes complex—especially when multiple factors like weather conditions, road maintenance, and driver behavior intersect.
A Wisconsin car accident lawyer understands how weather-related accidents are investigated and can help establish whether another driver’s failure led to your collision.
Contact us for a free legal consultation at Cannon & Dunphy S.C. and learn how an attorney can help you recover fair compensation after a weather-related crash.