With winter weather upon us a review of safe driving habits is both germane and timely. Certainly one of the advantages of living in the southern United States is that we are less inclined to suffer through several months of snow and ice storms and treacherous driving conditions. However, that does not mean that we are never treated to poor weather.
Those of us who reside in Houston generally enjoy what might be termed 'balmy' weather in January while the rest o f the country is shivering in subfreezing temperatures. But we are not immune to bad weather.
Late fall and winter can bring with them occasional cold and freezing rain and fog - usually lasting only through the month of January.
So how does one drive safely in the bad weather conditions of Houston? First, turn your headlights on - even in the daytime. Study after study shows this simple act helps prevent accidents because it makes your vehicle more visible to the other drivers around you. Next, slow down.
Driving on wet roads can cause the driver to lose control and hydroplane - or careen across the highway.
Also, the colder weather can cause windows to fog up and need defrosting - it is important to make sure this equipment is in good working order before it is needed. The same holds true for the windshield wipers - nothing is more frustrating than trying to see the road ahead through the driving rain without the support of wipers.
Finally, don't allow distractions to take your attention away from the job at hand. Driving is a full time job no matter what the weather's like.
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston personal injury attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping personal injury victims seek civil justice. If you would like to speak with a Houston 18 wheeler accident lawyer call the Baumgartner firm at 281-587-1111.
