DRIVING ON SLIPPERY NORTH TEXAS ROADS
Recently, the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex had its first snow of the season. Though there wasn’t much accumulation, there were still quite a few accidents on our roadways. That’s because roads here are very slippery when they get wet.
Many of our roads are made of asphalt. When your tires hit the pits and grooves in asphalt, the friction helps them to grip the road allowing you to maintain good vehicle control. When moisture fills those pits and grooves, it makes the roads smoother, and there is less for your tires to grip. In addition, when water mixes with oil and grease on the roads, they become even slicker. When the roads are covered with ice and snow, conditions are even more dangerous.
There are several things you can do in order to be safe on the roads in adverse weather conditions.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have at least 1/16 inch tread.
- Reduce your speed to give your tires better contact with the road.
- Keep a distance of about two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you, as on slick roads it takes approximately three times longer to stop than on dry roads.
- Because puddles can be deeper than you realize, when in doubt, heed the phrase, “Don’t drown, turn around.”
- Know how to use your brakes effectively in a skid. Apply firm, steady pressure to your brakes and steer toward the skid to avoid losing control. If you hydroplane, take your foot off the gas, grip the steering wheel, and then apply light brake pressure.
If you do happen to get into an auto accident and suffer any injuries, call Accident and Injury Chiropractic as soon as possible. We’ll have you feeling better and back on the road in no time.
