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