Living in Somerset, you’re in a beautiful area that has lakes, tourism and lovely weather most of the year. You’re also near multiple highways and busy roadways where people may cause crashes.
As the seasons chill, it’s common to see people from up north heading into Somerset for a few final weekends away from the cold. These people may not expect to see ice on the roads or freezing nights, but they can happen in November, let alone in December or January.
Since you know that tourists will be around the area and that the busy highways are bound to pick up during the holiday season, now is a good time to talk about safety techniques you can use to stay safe in your vehicle.
Avoiding crashes in Somerset in the fall and winter
The first thing you can do to avoid winter crashes in Somerset this fall and winter is to prepare for people who haven’t prepared for poor weather conditions. You should switch your vehicle’s tires to all-season or winter-weather models. Have seasonal maintenance performed, so you know that your vehicle can stop quickly and that your brakes are in good shape.
Another thing to do is to start slowing down and giving yourself more time to get where you want to go. In the early mornings and overnights, you may start to see chillier days. Bridges freeze first, so be aware of the potential for black ice in freezing temperatures as winter rolls in.
Finally, stay vigilant when you see others on the roads around you. If someone is speeding or you see a reckless driver, it’s appropriate to say something. Call 911 to get assistance if you believe someone is drunk or reckless, so that the police can stop them and get them off the roads.
What do you do if you’re hit?
If you are hit by another driver, call 911 and wait for help to arrive. Check to see if anyone needs medical attention, and exchange insurance and personal information.
You have the right to make a claim against an at-fault driver. Whether they skidded because they weren’t prepared for slick roads or they were on their phone and ran a red light, they put you in danger. You can make a claim to hold them accountable.
