Driving during the winter can be dangerous. Roads are slick with snow and ice, and it gets dark early, limiting one’s visibility. And despite the fact that many Mainers have lived in-state for much of their lives and have experience with winter driving, it’s important to refresh oneself on how to best navigate the slippery season.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the effects of dangerous winter driving. The results often do not paint the picture of a winter wonderland. But by being careful and following a few winter driving tips, you’ll be much more apt to make it from point A to point B safe and sound.Because with only a few winter storms under our belt, it’s inevitable that Maine has many more to go.

The following is a list of winter driving tips that all Mainers should follow: 

• Avoid unnecessary driving during storms. If you must travel, allow time for maintenance trucks to plow, salt, and sand the roads.
• Do not assume that your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel drive cars and trucks can encounter trouble on slick roads.
• Keep at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. A distance of 10 seconds or more between you and the next car is considered safe.
• Look ahead to anticipate actions well before they happen. 
• Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills and unplowed roads.
• Do not use cruise control on slick roads.
• Be careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways. Black ice is commonly found on roads winding around lakes and rivers, in tunnels, on bridges, and in highly shaded areas. 
• When you find yourself on ice, avoid braking if possible. Try to remain calm if you experience a skid, and look and steer in the direction you want to go. 
• If you find yourself stuck in snow, do not spin your wheels – this will only make you dig deeper. Instead, turn your wheel side-to-side to clear snow out of the way and then lightly press on the accelerator. If necessary, shovel away snow and put down kitty litter to help with traction. 
• Keep a charged cell phone and fully stocked winter driving kit in the event of an emergency.

With many more storms in the forecast this winter, it’s important to be prepared in case you find yourself driving in the middle of one. Because after all, snow may look nice covering trees and mountains, but it paints a whole other picture on the road.

And if you’ve been injured in a car accident by the negligence of someone else, call the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein today for a free and confidential consultation. You may be entitled to compensation. In over 35 years, the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein has helped over 15,000 Mainers get the justice they deserve.