Another arctic blast is set to send chills across much of the central, eastern and southern U.S. over the weekend, dropping temperatures well below average as far south as Florida. As temperatures drop, roadways can become covered with ice and snow, which increases the likelihood of car accidents.
According to the National Weather Service, snow and ice is forecast for the Great Lakes area, the Ohio Valley, the Northeast and parts of the Appalachians.
Even seasoned drivers can be put to the test in such conditions, which frequently result in impaired vision from weather, uncontrolled skids that can catch many drivers off guard. Slick roads cause more than 150,000 car crashes per year, according to the Federal Highway Administration. With 70% of U.S. roads in snowy areas, millions of people are at risk of accidents.
Preparing yourself and your vehicle for winter driving is just the first challenge. Here are some tips on how to get ready for wintry roads:
Slick roads drastically reduce the stopping power of your vehicle, even if you have 4-wheel drive. To help avoid a collision, give yourself triple the stopping distance, according to AAA.
