We’ve all seen it.  Vehicles driving too fast for conditions on our highways.   You often see people driving SUVs who think they are better equipped for winter driving.  That may be so, but truth is, sometimes SUVs are even more dangerous because these drivers go too fast for conditions.

Tauber Law Offices wants to give you a gentle reminder that no vehicle is totally safe during the ice and snow conditions we often face in our region of the country.

Not only do we need to be cautious with our own driving, we need to be extra alert for these vehicles that are driving recklessly.

We checked with the Indiana Department of Transportation and found some great advice that we would like to share:

Be Prepared!

• Knowledge :  Before leaving home, find out about the driving conditions.  Safe drivers know the weather, and their limits.  If the weather is bad, remember,

Ice and Snow.  Take it Slow, or Just Don’t Go.

• Clear:   Remove any snow on your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights and signals.  Make sure you can see and be seen.
• Inspect:   Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses.  A breakdown is bad on a good day and dangerous on a bad-weather day.
• Time:   Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely.  It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.

Caution: Slippery When Wet!

When driving in winter weather, watch out!  Mother Nature has some tricks up her sleeve in the winter.  Here are some to be on the lookout for:

• First Snow or Ice:   Drivers often aren’t prepared for winter driving and forget to take it slow.  Remember to drive well below the posted speed limit and leave plenty of room between cars.
• Black Ice:   Roads that seem dry may actually be slippery – and dangerous.  Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady areas – all are hot spots for black ice.  Remember, Ice and Snow, Take it Slow.
• Limited Visibility:  Stay attentive and reduce speed.  Know what’s going on around you.
• Four-Wheel Drive:   On snow and ice, go slowly, no matter what type of vehicle you drive.  Even if you have an SUV with four-wheel drive you may not be able to stop any faster, or maintain control any better, once you lose traction.  Four-wheel drive may get you going faster, but it won’t help you stop sooner.

Staying Safe Around Snowplows

In the winter, INDOT snowplow drivers are out on the roads to keep them clear of snow and ice and keep you safe.  Here’s what you need to know about driving around snowplows:

• Distance:   Give snowplows room to work.  The plows are wide and can cross the centerline or shoulder.  Don’t tailgate and try not to pass.  If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.
• Speed:   Snowplows travel below the posted speed limit.  Be patient.  Allow plenty of time to slow down.  Remember, Ice and Snow, Take it Slow.
• Vision:   A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted.  You may see them, but they don’t always see you.  Keep your distance and watch for sudden stops or turns.

Big Semi-Trailer Trucks

Few vehicles can compete with a big 18-wheeler on our highways.  The I-65 corridor from Chicago on south is one of the stretches that has a high rate of tragic accidents.

• These trucks weigh many tons and take a much longer time to stop in winter conditions. For that reason, keep your distance from them and don’t try to pass when slower driving is recommended.
• While most of the operators of big trucks are responsible people, there are those that are guilty of driving when they are sleep deprived. The weather slows them down and they too often try to make up their time by not getting enough sleep.
• Some drivers – and not only truckers — even drive while under the influence — and in winter weather this only multiplies the dangers.

Proceed with Caution!

• Speed:   The faster you’re going, the longer it will take to stop.  When accelerating on snow or ice, take it slow to avoid slipping or sliding.
• Distance:   Give yourself space.  It takes extra time and extra distance to bring your car to a stop on slick and snowy roads.  Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Brake:   Brake early, brake slowly, brake correctly and never slam on the brakes.  If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it.  If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal.  Either way, give yourself plenty of room to stop.
• Control:   When driving on ice and snow, do not use cruise control and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers.  When merging into traffic, take it slow.  Sudden movements can cause your vehicle to slide.
• Vision:   Be aware of what’s going on well ahead of you.  Actions by other vehicles will alert you to problems more quickly and give you that split-second of extra time to react safely.

It is our hope that this winter is a safe one for you and you don’t need us.  But if you or a loved one is a victim of a negligent driver, please contact Tauber Law.  We have decades of experience in representing people who have suffered personal injuries as a result of a variety of issues.  Please check out the practice area section of this web site.  There is never a charge for the initial consultation.  Our mission is your safety.

Sources, include:  Indiana Department of Transportation, National Safety Council