| As many know, winter weather can wreak havoc | | | | * Be alert. Avoid alcohol and medications |
| on an automobile, not only because of the | | | | that cause drowsiness. Do not drive if tired, |
| harsh environment but because auto accidents | | | | since winter driving can cause mental and |
| are at an all time high during the wintry | | | | physical fatigue, which reduces reaction |
| months. In addition to auto accidents, other | | | | time. |
| outdoor activities such as snowboarding or | | | | |
| skiing can also increase the risk of an | | | | * Avoid distractions, such as talking on cell |
| accidental injury happening. Individuals must | | | | phones. |
| know the risks they are taking and how to | | | | |
| reduce these risks to prevent personal injury | | | | Prepare Your Vehicle |
| from happening. | | | | |
| | | | Winterize your car by checking at least the |
| It is not too surprising that the leading | | | | fluid levels, wiper blades, tire tread and |
| cause of death during severe winter weather | | | | pressure, oil (level and proper grade), |
| is the result of motor vehicle accidents. | | | | battery, lights, and antifreeze |
| However, by learning and adhering to safe | | | | |
| winter driving practices, many accidents can | | | | Other Winter Traveling Tips |
| be avoided in cold, wet, or snowy conditions. | | | | |
| | | | When traveling in winter weather, fill your |
| Be Prepared | | | | gasoline tank and do not let it run low. Keep |
| | | | several other items on hand in case you |
| Both drivers and their automobiles must be | | | | become stranded such as a blanket, warm |
| prepared for winter driving. | | | | clothes, flashlight with extra batteries, |
| | | | flare, cell phone or citizens band (CB) |
| Safe Winter Driving Tips | | | | radio, small shovel, sand or cat litter (for |
| | | | traction), and jumper cables. |
| Poor visibility and icy and snowy roads | | | | |
| require extra caution to ensure winter | | | | After the Storm - Enjoying the Snow |
| driving safety. Important winter driving tips | | | | Snowmobile Safety |
| to remember and put into practice when | | | | |
| driving in winter weather are: | | | | Snowmobile accidents account for a large |
| | | | number of serious winter sports accidents. |
| * Wear your seat belt (in all seasons, not | | | | Most serious snowmobile injuries are to males |
| just winter)! | | | | under the age of 20, and most snowmobile |
| | | | accidents can be prevented. The state of |
| * Remove all snow and ice from windows, | | | | Wisconsin reports that alcohol is a |
| headlights, roof and hood. | | | | contributing factor to most snowmobile |
| | | | accident deaths. |
| * Turn on your headlights - to see and be | | | | |
| seen. | | | | It is important to keep in mind safety while |
| | | | snowmobiling including avoiding use of drugs |
| * Slow down! Drive at a speed that is safe | | | | and alcohol, avoiding areas not marked on |
| for the conditions. While a speed limit is | | | | trails, or large bodies of water that appear |
| posted, it is wise to use common sense and | | | | frozen but may not be, also use a safe speed. |
| decrease speeds to below the speed limit in | | | | |
| dangerous weather. | | | | Skiing and Snowboarding |
| | | | |
| * Beware of bridges and overpasses. They can | | | | The most common injuries for people in |
| get icy while the road is not at all icy. | | | | snowboarding or skiing accidents are head |
| | | | injuries, which are also the most common |
| * Be aware of what "black ice" is and how to | | | | cause of death in skiers and snowboarders |
| recognize it. Black ice is a thin layer of | | | | aged seven to 17. |
| ice that is almost invisible and can be | | | | |
| mistaken for dry pavement (usually forms when | | | | Safety tips for skiing and snowboarding |
| snow has melted and re-freezes). It can cause | | | | include: |
| extremely serious car crashes. | | | | |
| | | | * Wearing a helmet. |
| * Take care when accelerating so you do not | | | | |
| lose control, even if you have a four-wheel | | | | * Viewing the route ahead to avoid obstacles |
| drive vehicle. | | | | and collisions with others. |
| | | | |
| * Leave plenty of room for stopping. This can | | | | * It is wise to ski in areas with less |
| be especially critical for four-wheel drive | | | | traffic, as to avoid accidental collisions |
| vehicles which can get up more speed, but | | | | and injury. |
| cannot stop any faster than other vehicles. | | | | |
| In fact, given that many of these vehicles | | | | * Being in good physical condition. |
| are heavier, they may take longer to stop. | | | | |
| | | | If you have been involved in a snowmobile |
| * Do not pump anti-lock brakes. Instead, | | | | crash or other winter accident, contact an |
| "stomp and steer." | | | | experienced snowboard attorney to find out |
| | | | more about your legal rights. You may be able |
| * Do not use cruise control in winter | | | | to file a snowmobile crash lawsuit and obtain |
| weather. | | | | monetary compensation for damages sustained |
| | | | during a snowmobile crash or other winter |
| * Stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow. | | | | accident. |
| | | | |