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Tips and Hazards of Driving in Winter Weather in Texas

While winter weather, including sleet, snow, and ice, are not as prevalent in Texas as it is in the northern parts of the U.S., Texas drivers still see a fair share of inclement weather that can make travel dangerous.

To help people driving through Texas arrive at their destinations safely, our Austin personal injury attorneys have a few tips for all drivers to help avoid traffic crashes on the highways, city streets, and rural roads this winter season.  

Our Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys personal injury lawyers hope that you never need us after a Texas vehicle collision. If you do, we pursue dedicated, driven results for our clients, and there is never a charge to talk to an attorney. We stand ready to help you. Call today.

Texas Winter Weather Driving Tips

The Texas Department of Transportation has provided a list of winter weather driving tips to help keep everyone safe on our roadways during inclement weather conditions.

They include:

  • Before putting your car in drive, be sure to clean the snow, ice, or dirt from the windows, headlights, taillights, backup camera, and forward sensors, so you can see and be seen.
  • Ensure your vehicle’s tire pressure is properly maintained, including the spare, that your windshield wipers are in proper working order, and all vehicle fluids are maintained. Keep the gas tank at least half full or be sure your vehicle is charging when it is not in use.
  • Tell a friend or family member what route you are taking and when you expect to arrive.
  • Slow down. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.
  • Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on snow or ice, so you have more room to slow or stop with traffic without colliding with another vehicle.
  • If you must hit the brakes, apply firm, continuous pressure for anti-lock brake vehicles. If you do not have antilock brakes, pump the brakes gently to slow and stop.
  • Use extra caution on overpasses, bridges, shaded areas, and ramps as they tend to freeze first and are often covered in dangerous black ice.
  • Stay at least 200 feet behind snowplows to ensure a safe distance is maintained.
  • If your vehicle skids on snow or ice, ease your foot off the gas while carefully steering in the direction of the skid. Leave your foot off the gas and brake pedals until you can regain control of the vehicle.
  • Always wear your seatbelt and never use a handheld device behind the wheel.

If you are in an accident, if your car leaves the road because of dangerous conditions, or if the vehicle becomes inoperable and you are stranded, call 911 right away to get help.

If you are injured, seek medical care right away.

If you would like help holding a negligent person or party liable for your accident and injuries, contact our skilled Texas personal injury lawyers at Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys today. there is never a charge to talk to an attorney. We stand ready to help you. Call today.

Helpful Resources For Safely Traversing Winter Weather Conditions in Texas

Travel Information

Travelers may call 800-452-9292 daily for travel information, professional trip planning assistance, and emergency road condition information.

Highway Conditions

Texas Highway Conditions information is provided by TxDOT districts to alert travelers about current roadway conditions around the state.

Motorists Helpline

The Motorists Helpline was designed to assist motorists in various times of need, including when a vehicle is disabled or stranded on the side of the road, and is available toll-free at 800-525-5555.

Contact Our Skilled Personal Injury Attorneys in Austin at Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys Today

If you have been hurt in a vehicle collision of any type that was caused by negligence in Texas, contact our skilled Austin personal injury attorneys at Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys at  or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

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