Serious snow accidents have been flooding Washington streets in the last 24 hours as Seattle has experienced its first winter storm of the year. After working with victims of serious snow accidents and serving as a Kirkland snow accident attorney in a Bellevue personal injury law firm I understand the dangers and stress of driving on icy roads. I encourage you to stay home, but if you cannot avoid getting behind the wheel please follow these basic tips:

General Snow Tips:

1.       Venture Out AFTER the Plows: Try to stay home until after the snow plows and sanding trucks have a chance to clear out the roads.

2.       Drive Slowly: speed plays an enormous role in snow accidents since it not only increases your chances of slipping on the ice, but also makes it more difficult to regain control of your vehicle.

3.       Allow Ample Space: ice greatly decrease your cars ability to stop and so you must triple the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

4.       Watch the Brakes: brake gently and avoid it when possible- brake gently the entire way down a hill rather than waiting to break until the turn at the bottom this will help prevent slipping, sliding and crashing.

5.       Proceed with Caution: on overpasses, bridges, and on ramps. These areas get much colder and are likely to be covered in ice. If possible avoid these areas all together.

If You Skid:

1.       Take your foot off of the accelerator

2.       Steer your vehicle very gently in the way you want it to go

3.       Use your brakes very gently to regain control

a.       Anti-Lock Brakes: do not pump- just apply gentle, even pressure

b.      Non Anti-Lock Brakes: pump them gently

If You Get Stuck:

1.       Do not spin your wheels by hitting the accelerator, this will cause you to dig your tires into the snow deeper

2.       Move your wheel from side to side- gently moving snow from under your tires

3.       Push the gas gently to move your car out of the snow

4.       Carefully move the snow from around your tires

5.       Dump kitty litter, gravel or sand around your tires to increase traction

It is almost important to prepare your vehicle for the rough winter ahead of us by checking your tires, fluids and windshield wipers. For more information read our article: Preparing Your Vehicle for a Snow Storm.

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