When it comes to winter driving, preparation is the key to safety. Go to a trusted car inspection site now, at the start of the season, and ask them to check:
the tread on your vehicles' tires
the amount of antifreeze in your radiator
that the defroster and heater are working appropriately
Other things to keep in mind for safe winter driving:
Under New York State law, snow tires can be used from October 16 through April 30.
Keep your tank filled with gas in the winter in case you get stuck in a snowstorm in which cars come to a standstill for a significant amount of time.
Remove snow and ice from your car before driving so they don't go flying and distract you or hurt someone else.
Use your defroster to clear your windows before driving.
Warm up the car so the defroster has a chance to clear the windows.
Turn on your headlights when you turn on your windshield wipers. New York State law makes this mandatory.
Do not speed and be sure to adjust your speed to the road conditions.
Be extra cautious in case other drivers start to skid.
Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
Always check weather reports before you drive and do not drive during ice or snow storms unless it is absolutely necessary.
Also, be sure to read my blog post about what to keep in a car in case of a winter emergency: Winter Alert: 13 Car Emergency Essentials.
Eli Moore is a top traffic attorney in Westchester County and New York City. Contact him at EliMoore Law@gmail.com or (914) 523-5552 for help fighting all moving violations, including speeding tickets, as well as DUI and all other criminal charges. To learn more, go to EliMooreTrafficAttorney.com. Follow Eli on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on New York State traffic laws.