As the cold months are approaching, it’s important to remind ourselves, and each other, the dangers that freezing temperatures and rainy Oregon climate bring - the icy roads. Sometimes deemed as being more dangerous than driving in the snow, rainfall combined with freezing temperatures create a deadly combination for drivers and pedestrians alike. Here are a few tips for safer driving in these hazardous conditions:
Slow Down: Reducing your speed is the number one precaution to take when roads begin to get sketchy. Higher speeds make it more difficult to control and stop your vehicle. It’s advised to drive no more than 45 mph when the roads are icy, that’s including on highways. The combination of ice and high speeds can lead to your vehicle sliding off the road or even into the car in front of you. If your vehicle begins fishtailing or sliding in any way, you are going too fast!
Avoid Driving When You Can: Due to the dangers that come with driving on unsafe roads, it is always advised to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. This eliminates all risks and can keep you and others safe on the road. If your area is experiencing rainfall and below freezing temperatures, it’s best to stay in and make dinner rather than make the drive to town with friends.
Be Careful of Over-Correcting: If a vehicle begins to slide or fishtail out of control, you’re going too fast. It’s important to understand that over-correcting a slide can cause you to veer off the road or into the other lane. Instead, ease onto the brakes and turn the steering slowly in that direction.
Icy Road Accidents
It’s also important not to overlook the simple steps in safe driving, especially when driving conditions become hazardous. Things such as: wearing your seatbelt, going easy on your brakes, not stopping for other accidents, and avoiding hills during icy roads are all ways to avoid dangerous accidents in the not so forgivable winter Portland, OR weather. If you or a loved one have been involved in a collision due to unfavorable road conditions such as sliding and being rear ended, call the The Johnston Law Firm today at 503-919-7889.
Slow Down: Reducing your speed is the number one precaution to take when roads begin to get sketchy. Higher speeds make it more difficult to control and stop your vehicle. It’s advised to drive no more than 45 mph when the roads are icy, that’s including on highways. The combination of ice and high speeds can lead to your vehicle sliding off the road or even into the car in front of you. If your vehicle begins fishtailing or sliding in any way, you are going too fast!
Avoid Driving When You Can: Due to the dangers that come with driving on unsafe roads, it is always advised to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. This eliminates all risks and can keep you and others safe on the road. If your area is experiencing rainfall and below freezing temperatures, it’s best to stay in and make dinner rather than make the drive to town with friends.
Be Careful of Over-Correcting: If a vehicle begins to slide or fishtail out of control, you’re going too fast. It’s important to understand that over-correcting a slide can cause you to veer off the road or into the other lane. Instead, ease onto the brakes and turn the steering slowly in that direction.
Icy Road Accidents
It’s also important not to overlook the simple steps in safe driving, especially when driving conditions become hazardous. Things such as: wearing your seatbelt, going easy on your brakes, not stopping for other accidents, and avoiding hills during icy roads are all ways to avoid dangerous accidents in the not so forgivable winter Portland, OR weather. If you or a loved one have been involved in a collision due to unfavorable road conditions such as sliding and being rear ended, call the The Johnston Law Firm today at 503-919-7889.