Winter Road Safety Archives

Today we’re here to provide some important safety tips for disabled drivers on slick roads. Every year in the US there are over 200,000 road traffic accidents caused by slippery road conditions. Driving on slick roads is dangerous and requires extra concentration and vigilance.

Driving carelessly on slick roads can be lethal. It’s easy to lose control of a vehicle while driving on a slick, slippery surface, and many people are killed or injured each year in traffic accidents because of this.

Every disabled driver needs to know how to drive safely on slick roads. Road slipperiness can occur for a variety of reasons, anywhere in the country. To protect yourself and other road users, it’s essential that you know how to drive safely on slick roads and in slippery conditions.

What Weather Conditions Can Cause Roads To Become Slick Or Slippery?

Several different types of weather can cause slick, slippery roads; snow, ice, rain, wet leaves, or even accidents like oil spills can occur anywhere in the country. For this reason, it’s vital to understand how to stay safe when driving on slick roads.

How Do You Drive In Slippery Conditions?

When driving on slick roads, what should you do? Keep the following key points in mind…

Make sure your vehicle is well maintained and functioning optimally.
Drive slowly.
Practice safe, defensive driving.
Leave an appropriate distance between yourself and the vehicle in front.
Use your signals early.
Wear your seat belt.

winter road — *Image by* *monicore* on *Pixabay: How do you drive in slippery conditions?*

What Should You Avoid Doing On Slippery Roads?

When driving on slippery roads, you should avoid:

Speeding
Tailgating
Distracted driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Using cruise control

How Can You Prevent Skidding On Slippery Surfaces?

You can prevent skidding on slippery surfaces by:

Making sure your tires are the correct pressure and the threads are not worn down
Driving slowly
Slowing down even more before intersections and turns
Braking gently
Giving yourself plenty of room to stop
Pumping your brakes if your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes
Avoiding driving through puddles, wet leaves, ice patches, or oil spills

Safety Tips For Disabled Drivers On Slick Roads

Here are our top safety tips for disabled drivers on slick roads.

1. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Well Maintained

Making sure your vehicle is well maintained and in excellent working order will help you to stay safe when driving on slick roads. Get your vehicle serviced by a professional at least once a year, and check your tire pressure and tire threads regularly.

2. Practice Safe Defensive Driving

You can stay safe on slick roads by always practicing defensive driving. Defensive driving involves the following practices:

Have safety as a first priority.
Avoid distractions.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Never rely on good driving from other road users.
Drive at a safe speed.
Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

3. Drive Slowly And Keep Your Distance From Other Drivers

Driving at a safe speed and keeping your distance from the vehicle in front are key parts of defensive driving, but in slick conditions these practices become even more important.

Braking distances are longer in slick conditions, so to stay safe, disabled drivers need to drive at a sensible speed and allow extra distance between themselves and other vehicles when driving in slippery conditions.

rainy slick road — *Image by* *StockSnap* on *Pixabay: When driving on slick roads what should you do?*

4. Use Your Signals Early

Use your signals earlier than usual when driving on slick roads. This will give vehicles behind you extra time to slow down and keep their distance from you.

5. Understand Skidding Maneuvers

If you skid, implement the following maneuvers:

Take your foot off of the accelerator.
Do not engage the brakes.
Steer gently in the direction you want to go.
Allow the front wheels to regain grip.
Continue to steer gently; do not wrench the wheel aggressively.

6. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Stocked With Emergency Equipment

If you are driving on slick roads, there is always a possibility of an accident or getting stranded. Stay safe by keeping your vehicle stocked with the following emergency equipment:

Drinking water
Snacks
First aid kit
Back-up medication
Cell phone and car mobile phone charger
Flashlight and batteries
Tool kit
Windshield washer fluid
Spare tire, tripod jack, wheel wrench
Jumper cables
Reflective triangles and a reflective vest
Fire extinguisher
Duct tape
Warm clothes and blankets
Snow shovel, snow brush, cat litter for traction

How Do You Apply For A Disabled Parking Permit?

If you’re a disabled driver, another thing you can do to stay safe on the road is apply for a disabled parking permit. The first step in the process is to have a video consultation with a medical professional. This consultation is so your disability and suitability to use disabled parking can be verified. This can be done easily at the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

Once your disability has been verified, the medical professional will sign an application form and email it to you. You can then complete the application form and submit it to your local disabled parking authorities.

Featured image by Larisa-K on Pixabay

It’s crucial that disabled drivers know how to stay safe on the roads all year round. This means being aware of the particular threats that come when driving in each season. Each of the four seasons has its own unique conditions that can make driving hazardous and potentially lead to accidents.

Driving always entails risk. No matter what season it is, other road users will sometimes fail to drive responsibly, and weather conditions will be treacherous on occasion. To do your part and stay safe on the road, its vital to practice safe, defensive driving. But while driving responsibly is always the right thing to do, it is also necessary to take special precautions at different times of the year.

Read on for some seasonal safety tips to protect handicap drivers year-round.

Safety Tips To Protect Handicap Drivers

There are safety tips for disabled drivers that apply specifically to different seasons. Summer roads can be busier than usual and bright sunlight can be distracting or debilitating. In fall, wet leaves can make roads slippery and treacherous. Winter ice and snow can turn highways into ice rinks. Spring rains can seriously impair visibility.

With each season throwing up such unique challenges, it’s vital that disabled drivers follow season-specific safety tips. Today, we will outline some of the dangers of driving at different times throughout the year, and give some specific travel safety tips for each season. But first, let’s outline some general road safety tips that apply all year round.

autumn leaf on window — *Image by* *MabelAmber* on Pixabay: Seasonal safety tips can protect handicap drivers whatever the conditions.

Drive The Safest Vehicle You Can Afford

Always purchase the best quality vehicle you can afford and keep it regularly serviced, well maintained, and in good working order. Check your vehicle’s lights, tires, mirrors, brakes, and windshield regularly.

As a rule of thumb, the larger the vehicle, the safer it is. You have a far better chance of surviving an accident in a larger vehicle than you do in smaller vehicles. Also, newer models have better safety features.

Have Appropriate Vehicle Adaptations For Your Disability

Disabled drivers often need to use vehicle adaptations such as hand controls and pedal extenders. Stay safe by making sure you have the appropriate vehicle adaptations for your disability.

Keep Informed About Weather And Traffic Conditions On Your Route

Always know what to expect on any journey. This means checking the weather forecast and scoping out what traffic conditions are likely to be so you can prepare.

Practice Defensive Driving

Safe, defensive driving involves…

Always having safety as a first priority.
Being aware of your surroundings.
Not relying on good driving from other road users.
Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
Driving at a safe speed.
Avoiding distractions.

Stay Alert And Never Drive When Sleepy

Drowsy driving is a major cause of road accidents. If you’re feeling tired or drowsy, always pull over and take a break. Have a coffee, take a nap, get some air and stretch your legs – do whatever is necessary to wake yourself up and ensure you’re alert before getting back on the road.

Keep Suitable Emergency Equipment In Your Vehicle

Always keep the following safety equipment in your vehicle:

Spare tire, tripod jack, wheel wrench.
Tool kit.
Jumper cables.
Flashlight and batteries.
Reflective triangles and a reflective vest.
First aid kit.
Drinking water.
Back-up medication
Fire extinguisher.
Duct tape.
Cell phone and car mobile phone charge.
Warm clothes and blankets.
Snow shovel, snow brush, cat litter for traction.
Windshield washer fluid.

Never Drink And Drive

Even one drink impairs your ability to drive safely, so drinking even what you deem to be a safe amount of alcohol before you drive is not worth the risk.

person driving car — *Image by JESHOOTS.com* *on Pexels: Disabled drivers should practice safe, defensive driving in all seasons.*

Dangers Of Summer Driving

The main dangers of summer driving are heat and bright sunlight. Heat can cause vehicle breakdowns, and sunlight can reduce visibility.

Summer Travel Safety Tips

Prepare your vehicle for hot summer weather in the following ways:

Check tire pressure.
Check your vehicle’s coolant system, radiator, and pressure cap.
Check hoses and belts for signs of blisters, cracks, and wear.
Check fuel, water, and coolant levels and look for leaks.

Always bring proper hydration to avoid dehydration, and wear sunglasses to make sure you are not blinded by bright sunlight.

Dangers Of Fall Driving

So, what are the main hazards of autumn driving? The main hazards of fall driving are leaves. Fallen leaves make roads slippery and can hide objects and potholes.

Fall Travel Safety Tips

Stay safe in fall by making sure your vehicle’s tire pressure is correct and that tire treads are not worn down. Practice safe, defensive driving, make sure your windscreen wipers are working well, and never park over dried leaves, as this can be a fire hazard.

Dangers Of Winter Driving

Ice, snow, and rain are the major dangers of winter driving.

Winter Travel Safety Tips

Stay safe in winter by driving slowly, maintaining extra distance between yourself and other vehicles, making sure your vehicle has the correct tires for slippery surfaces, and always packing warm clothes, blankets, and food in your vehicle.

Dangers Of Spring Driving

Spring weather conditions can be very changeable. Rain and high winds can be followed by sleet and even snow, and then bright sunshine.

Spring Travel Safety Tips

What are some safety tips for driving in spring? In this season you should be very cognizant of quickly changing weather conditions. Rain and wind can make controlling your vehicle more difficult, so always stay alert, practice safe, defensive driving, and avoid distractions while driving in spring.

Featured image by Jantine Doornbos on Unsplash

What precautions should be taken while driving during the holidays? How do you prepare for winter driving? What are the most important holiday driving safety tips? These are important questions every driver needs to consider before traveling over the festive season.

Most holiday driving safety tips are obvious and should be familiar to all drivers. However, other considerations can often be overlooked. It is crucial that you follow good holiday travel safety advice when driving in December. Knowing how to drive safely on winter roads will mean you and your loved ones stay safe while traveling these holidays.

Driving on winter roads during the festive season is often hazardous. The weather is usually cold and snow and ice can make roads slippery. Disabled drivers need to take extra care when traveling by road over the holidays; if you have a disability, you may need to consider additional precautions, like packing extra safety equipment and medication.

Dr Handicap - winter roads — *Image by* *egorshitikov* on *Pixabay: Icy roads can be a hazard when driving over the festive season.*

Let’s dive into 12 important festive season safety tips for disabled drivers.

1. Make Sure Your Vehicle Has All Necessary Adaptations

Disabled driver vehicle adaptations come in many forms, all of which make it possible for people with disabilities to drive their own vehicle safely and comfortably. When you are driving this festive season, make sure that your vehicle is kitted out with any and all of the vehicle adaptations that you need.

Some of the most popular vehicle adaptations for disabled drivers are:

Hand controls
Pedal and steering wheel extensions
Wheelchair lifts and ramps
Transfer seats
Reduced effort braking systems
Left foot accelerators

2. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is In Tip-Top Condition

Before you travel, make sure your vehicle is in perfect condition. Check that:

All lights are working
Tires are in good condition and fully pumped up
Fluid levels are where they should be
There are no leaks under the vehicle
Wipers are working
Warning lights are working
Your car battery is healthy

3. Know What Traffic Conditions Will Be Like On Your Journey

Take traffic conditions into account when planning your journey. If you can travel during periods when roads are less busy, and less treacherous, try to do so. It will make your journey quicker and safer.

4. Keep Informed About The Weather

Make sure to keep up to date on weather conditions on your route. Ice, snow, wind, rain, hail, and storms can all make driving more dangerous. Try to avoid traveling during extreme weather conditions.

5. Pack Any Medication You May Need

Always remember to pack any medication you may need on your journey. It is a good idea to bring more medication than you intend to take in case you get delayed or stranded. Make sure there is easy-to-see identification on your medication, as well as any allergies advice, in case you get involved in an accident and are unable to communicate with first responders.

6. Have All Necessary Safety Equipment In Your Vehicle

You should have all of the following safety equipment with you in your vehicle when you travel:

First aid kit
Drinking water
Spare medication
Cell phone and car mobile phone charger
Warm clothes and blankets
Flashlight and batteries
Reflective triangles and a reflective vest
Spare tire, tripod jack, wheel wrench
Tool kit
Jumper cables
Fire extinguisher
Duct tape
Snow shovel, snow brush, cat litter for traction
Windshield washer fluid

7. Stay COVID-Safe

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very important to stay COVID-safe, particularly throughout the holidays. This may mean bringing additional hygiene and safety products with you when you travel this festive season. At a minimum, make sure you have the following:

Face masks and/or face shields
Hand sanitizer
Rubber gloves

Dr Handicap - holiday travel — *Image by* *Hans* on *Pixabay: Always check what weather conditions will be like when you travel over the holidays.*

8. Practice Defensive Driving

Always drive like your life depends on it… because it does. Some of the most important core tenets of safe defensive driving are:

Have SAFETY as a first priority.
Stay aware of your surroundings.
Don’t rely on good driving from other road users.
Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Drive within the speed limit.

9. Avoid Distractions While Driving

This should be a no-brainer. But unfortunately, it is still all too common to see people not paying proper attention when driving. Using a mobile device, playing with the stereo system, chatting to other people in the vehicle… It is easy to get distracted when driving, especially when on a long journey. But it’s vital to avoid distractions, because it only takes a split second to lose control of your vehicle.

10. Stay Alert And Wide Awake While Driving

When driving on long journeys, it is easy to get sleepy. But drowsy driving is extremely dangerous. Make sure you are wide awake and alert while driving. If you feel even remotely sleepy, pull over and rest, get some fresh air, or get a coffee. Do whatever you need to do to stay wide awake while driving.

11. Never Drive Under The Influence

This one should also be completely obvious, but it is so important that it needs to be said: NEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This includes any legal drugs or medications that may make you drowsy or compromise your ability to be fully alert and capable of driving safely.

12. Don’t Forget Your Disabled Parking Placard

Finally, always remember to bring your disabled parking placard with you when you travel. Disabled parking permits from all US states are valid in every other US state (as well as several other countries, including Mexico, Canada, the UK, and the EU). So wherever you’re traveling this festive season, you will most likely be able to use your disabled parking placard when you’re there.

Featured image by Taras Zaluzhnyi on Unsplash

6 Safety Tips For Disabled Drivers On Slick Roads