Winter Driving Tips for Rosemont, IL
Winter weather has officially arrived in Illinois, which means driving is going to be much more dangerous 
than usual. Slippery streets, snowfall, fog, and ice can all cause an accident no matter how careful you are behind the wheel.
You might not be used to driving in Illinois winter weather if you’re from out of town. If you’re flying into O’Hare for the holidays and renting a car, here are some winter driving tips to follow. And remember that if you get into a crash, it’s a good idea to contact an auto accident attorney in Rosemont who can help you.
Rent a Car With Four-Wheel Drive
Though it could cost more, getting a car with four-wheel drive is going to be much safer if you’re driving in Rosemont in the winter. You’ll be able to power through the snow and other winter weather conditions much easier than you would with a compact car without four-wheel drive.
Thoroughly Inspect the Car
When you rent a car, you’ll walk around it and inspect it for any damage with the sales representative. Make sure you ask:
- If the car has been in any recent accidents
- If there is enough tire pressure
- If the car has had an oil change recently
- If the windshield wipers work properly
- How much gas is in the tank
Also, inquire whether the rental car company will offer you roadside assistance if you get stuck in the snow or ice.
Plan Your Route
Before you get on the road, you should do some planning, including the following:
- Check the route on your GPS like Waze or Google Maps
- Check weather conditions
You should avoid going into rural areas that are not likely to be plowed or hilly areas where it could be hard to drive. Instead, stay on the main roads at all times.
Slow Down
If you normally like to drive fast, then you’ll have to adjust your habits and slow down. If you’re speeding too much you may:
- Skid when you hit the snow or ice
- Crash into another vehicle, tree, light pole, or anything else on the road
- Not see a nearby snow plow
- Injure another driver
- Injure a bicyclist or pedestrian
- Wreck your car
If the speed of traffic is slowing down, you should do the same. If you’re being cautious and still end up getting into an accident, call a Rosemont auto accident lawyer right away.
Slowly Accelerate and Decelerate
Along with driving slow, it’s important to never slam on the gas or breaks when driving in winter weather. You could potentially lose traction as well as control. In order to make sure you don’t have to resort to quickly accelerating and decelerating, keep a safe distance from other drivers.
Normally, you need to stay at least three to four seconds behind the other person but when driving in the snow or ice, you need to increase that to at least six to eight seconds.
If another driver is not keeping their distance and they end up hitting you from behind, call a Rosemont auto accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Stay Alert
If you’re jetlagged, don’t hop in the driver’s seat right away. Instead, you should:
- Eat something
- Drink coffee and water
- Ask another person in your party to drive
And when you’re on the road, you should:
- Avoid using cruise control, as it can lead to an accident, especially if you’re not paying attention
- Put away your phone and other distractions
- Keep the radio low or turn it off
Paying attention at all times is essential to staying safe behind the wheel.
Pack the Essentials
You never know what could happen on the road, which is why it’s important to keep the essentials in your rental car. Make sure you pack the following:
- Ice scraper
- Flashlight
- Warm clothes
- Blankets
- Nonperishable food
- Water bottles
As soon as you pick up your car from O’Hare, head to your local super market or pharmacy to collect these items.
What to Do If You’re in an Accident
If get into an accident in Rosemont, make sure you:
- Call the police to file a report
- Collect the other driver’s insurance information, license plate number, driver’s license number, name, and phone number
- Take witness statements
- Snap photos of the scene
- Go to the hospital to document your injuries
If the other driver’s insurance company calls you and offers you a settlement, don’t accept it because it’ll be too low. Instead, call up a car accident law firm for assistance. They’ll work hard to get you the settlement you deserve.
Contact a Rosemont Auto Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been in a car accident in Rosemont and need legal help, contact the Chicago Legal Group today at 847-305-4105 or visit us online. We look forward to hearing from you.
