Crash Prevention 101: How to Drive Safely in Bad Weather – Tips from a Van Zandt Accident Attorney
Car manufacturers are spending millions of dollars each year to improve the safety of their vehicles. Some new features are merely convenient, but technologies that enhance driver safety in bad weather could save your life.
No matter how safe you are behind the wheel, though, nobody can control the actions of reckless drivers. If you were injured in a collision with a negligent motorist in Texas, then contact a Van Zandt personal-injury lawyer from the Cooper Law Firm.
You may be entitled to compensation to pay for health-care bills, time off work and other losses. Call us today at 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation.
In the meantime, read on to learn about technologies that can help you stay safe while driving in bad weather:
Steering Wheel
An advanced steering system can help prevent crashes in inclement weather. Making sudden turns to avoid hazards, ice patches or snow drifts can be difficult with an outdated steering wheel. New systems reduce how far you need to turn the steering wheel to turn the actual wheels on the road, which can help when making abrupt trajectory changes.
GPS
Your car’s GPS is more important than you may think. In particular, GPS can make your bad-weather journey safer by keeping you away from unfamiliar roads.
Many new vehicles have built-in GPS, but if yours does not, then consider purchasing a standalone unit. This can help you stay focused on the road rather than reading every street sign that you pass.
Rear Cameras
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, rear cameras are critical for safety when backing up in all weather conditions. However, they are particularly beneficial in poor weather.
If you are shopping for a new vehicle, then purchase one with a back bumper camera. By 2018, this will be a mandatory feature on all models in the United States.
Adaptive Headlights
Headlights are one of the oldest safety features on cars, but they are still evolving. Manufacturers are producing adaptive headlights that increase drivers’ field of view. For example, if you are turning, then the headlights will angle toward the turn so you can see oncoming hazards. This can be particularly important during rain- and snowstorms – when visibility is low.
Tire Pressure Systems
Most modern cars come with tire pressure systems. This is a useful safety feature to have in bad weather. It will alert you to changes in your tire pressure. A tire that is not adequately inflated is dangerous in all conditions but is particularly hazardous on wet or icy roads.
If you were in a car or truck crash in Texas, then a Van Zandt accident attorney may be able to help. At the Cooper Law Firm, we can evaluate your collision and guide you through the claims process. We can also handle correspondence with insurance companies so you do not unknowingly admit fault. Call us today at 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation.