Unfortunately, winter weather causes numerous auto accidents in Bucks County. Drivers are sometimes forced to drive to work with dangerous road conditions. It’s inevitable that these dangerous road conditions will cause car accidents and personal injuries throughout the narrow and windy Bucks County roads.
When we were children, we all looked forward to hearing on the radio that our school was closed for a snow day. While students look forward to hearing that news and they could look forward to day of sledding and hot chocolate, parents may still need to go to work and face dangerous driving conditions due to winter weather in Bucks County. We all worry when we have to venture out in winter weather that we may be involved in a Bucks county car accident due to bad winter weather. One of the best ways to handle the upcoming snow season in Bucks County is to have your car “winter-ready” to help you avoid being in a Bucks County car accident. Here is a “winter-ready” inspection checklist for your car to help you avoid being in a Bucks County car accident as a result of winter weather:
-Maintain full engine fluid levels;
-Make sure wipers do not streak when in use. You may need to replace blades so your visibility through your front and back windshields is clear and you can avoid being in a Bucks County car accident;
-It’s a good idea to have your mechanic check that all belts, hoses, battery and brakes are in good working order to help you avoid a Bucks County car accident;
-Ensure that the heater and defroster are working properly;
-Check to see that the headlights and tail lights are working properly;
-Ensure that all four tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth. If not, your tires will not provide safe traction in ice, rain and snow possibly causing you to have a Bucks County car accident.
-When pulling away from where your vehicle was parked (driveway, parking lot space), look for evidence of fluid leaks. If you see this, contact your auto mechanic immediately.
-Pack an emergency kit and store it in your car. This kit should include first aid supplies, ice scraper, blanket, small snow shovel, flashlight and batteries, jumper cables, battery-operated radio, cell phone charger and perhaps an extra cell phone; water-proof matches and candles, bag of sand or kitty litter to sprinkle under tires for better traction in the event you are stuck in the snow, extra warm clothing, gloves and boots; bottled water, non-perishable food and anything else you may need to accommodate passengers (diapers, baby food, pet food, special medication).
You should always know road conditions before you get into your car. One way to check Pennsylvania and Bucks County road conditions is to call 511. By calling 511, you can check on road conditions on more than 2,900 miles of Pennsylvania state roads and avoid driving in areas where it is likely that you could be involved in a Bucks County car accident. You could also go to 511PA.com. This site is free and provides valuable traffic information, such as, delays and weather information, local car accidents.
By following these simple steps, you may avoid being involved in a Bucks County car accident due to winter weather. For more winter driving tips, go to PennDoT’s winter website at www.dot.state.pa.us/Winter. To hear more about what to do after a winter time Bucks County car accident, just download a free copy of our book titled, “How to Maximize Your Pennsylvania Car Accident Case Before an Insurance Company Takes Advantage of You” written by Michael L. Saile, Jr., Esq. here.
