How You Can Stay Safe on the Roads This Winter in Tennessee

By Rocky McElhaney | November 26, 2020

Though compared to previous years, travel is expected to be much lighter this Black Friday and throughout the holiday season, it will not be without its dangers.    On top of keeping an eye out for drunk, distracted, or aggressive drivers, you may also have to keep your eyes on the road – literally.   As our weather grows more unpredictable and it swings from one extreme to the next, drivers and motorcyclists need to use extra caution on Tennessee roadways in the fall and winter months.  Though the weather has been mild lately, the Volunteer state is not immune to Mother Nature’s fury and even quicker mood swings when it comes to ice, snow, sleet, freezing rain, high winds, and freezing temperatures.

Did you know?

  • The number one cause of traffic accidents is following too closely
  • More than 1,800 people are killed every year because of driving in icy or snowy conditions
  • More than 156,000 crashes occur every year due to winter conditions
  • More than 130,000 people are injured across the country every year in winter accidents

Road safety tips for the fall and winter in Tennessee

Because of less daylight and overcast skies, you need to do everything possible to protect yourself when driving. Below, you will find a list of safe-driving tips you should follow this winter season to avoid a car accident:

  • Give yourself plenty of travel time
  • Slow down
  • Use your headlights even during the daytime
  • Use the shoulder if you need to (turn your headlights off and activate your hazard lights)
  • Avoid using cruise control
  • Leave plenty of room when passing
  • Keep your gas tank full as much as possible
  • Have an emergency kit in the vehicle (flares, blanket, flashlight, batteries, extra phone charger, ice scraper, jumper cables, reflective gear, gloves, tire chains, extra gloves, a towel, sand or kitty litter, water, and anything else you deem necessary)

Tips for driving during inclement weather

Inclement weather can derail any trip in an instant. If you know ahead of time that inclement weather is going to strike your area of Tennessee, it’s in your best interest to avoid traveling, especially if advisories are issued by the National Weather Service. If you must drive during inclement weather events this winter, be sure to do the following:

  • Reduce your speed
  • Put chains on your tires
  • Switch your regular tires to winter tires
  • Accelerate (if you must) slowly
  • Apply the brakes slowly
  • Increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you
  • Do not pass
  • If a vehicle passes you, drift to the shoulder as safely as you can to provide them more room
  • Avoid driving early in the morning or at night
  • Ensure your wipers are in good condition
  • Top off your windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze before a long trip

When it comes to stopping your vehicle traveling at 35 MPH, provide yourself with the following distances:

  • 60 to 100 feet for dry conditions
  • 120 feet or more for wet conditions
  • 180 feet or more for snowy conditions
  • 600 feet or more for icy conditions

A winter weather accident can be devastating. You can prepare as much as possible for inclement weather and deteriorating road conditions, but other drivers are still out there. If you or a loved one suffers an injury in a winter road accident, it’s time to call Rocky McElhaney Law Firm at 615-425-2500, or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation. We have offices in Nashville, Hendersonville, Knoxville, and Clarksville to better serve our clients.

Posted in Auto Accident