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Chicago Holiday Safe Driving Tips

We hear it every winter – this one is going to be bad. From the Farmer’s Almanac to local weatherpeople, Chicago prepares for the worst! However, even with bad weather, people like to travel and need holiday safe driving tips. People cross state lines to see their family and friends. To ensure that everyone has a safe and fun holiday, remember to drive safely and pay attention to weather conditions.

Will The Weather Outside Be Frightful?

It seems like winter has yet to come around, and according to one meteorologist, it could be a while before we actually feel the effects of winter. The same meteorologist projects that we will most likely receive between 19-24 inches of snow total from December to February, and the average daily temperature will most likely be around 27 to 28 degrees. Unfortunately, Spring could even come around rather late this year. Illinois will most likely get a few bad storms, so it is important to remain safe while driving.

As you travel to Gramma’s house, if you or someone you love suffer an injury while driving, please contact the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. today.

Recent Illinois Winter Storm Facts and Figures

Since 1997:

  • 44 people died from exposure to very cold temperatures in Illinois.
  • Normally, Illinois experiences only five very severe storms each year.
  • In the past century, Illinois has not been without a severe winter storm.
  • The coldest recorded temperature in Illinois is -36 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • The average annual snowfall is around 39 inches for Chicago and Rockford, and around 10 to 15 inches for southern Illinois.

 

Holiday Safe Driving Strategies

With Thanksgiving, many people begin to travel for the holidays. Some people travel by car across state lines. With all of this travel, to shopping malls, to relative’s houses, and elsewhere, the roads are going to be congested, and with the temperatures dropping and weather getting worse, the roads are going to be more slippery and dangerous. That is why it is especially important to remember not to drink and drive, not to get distracted while driving, to slow down especially when the roads are slippery, and to always buckle the seat belt. Also, when people are driving long distances, this tends to cause drowsiness, therefore, it is sometimes best to take breaks if you are driving long distances. The most common violations that lead to crashes are following too closely and improper lane usage, so always be alert.

If you are injured by a drunk driver or by someone texting and driving,  contact the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. today for a free consultation at 847-577-1123.

Tips for Holiday Safe Driving

Several things that you can do to ensure that your vehicle is ready for winter. Even driving short distances to work or school can be dangerous if the roads are bad. Here are a few

things you can do to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter:

  • Follow the suggested maintenance schedule in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or bring your vehicle to a mechanic who can make sure everything is functioning properly before the weather gets worse.
  • Regularly check your wiper blades, tires, lights, and fluids. Make sure that the brakes and transmission are working.
  • Prepare a winter survival kit that you can keep in your trunk. This could include a cell phone charger, blankets, a flashlight with batteries, a first-aid kit, food that will not perish, a water container, a map, a tool kit, booster cables, and extra clothing.

Winter Holiday Safe Driving

If you do not absolutely need to go somewhere, then it is definitely best to just stay home and avoid driving in bad weather at all costs. But, if there is no other option, or if you find yourself caught in a winter storm while you are already out, then there are a few things that you can do to prepare for the bad weather and to drive in it successfully.

  • Find both primary and alternative routes to where you are going in case one does not work out.
  • Tell a family member or friend the route you are taking in case you do not arrive and officials need to know where to look for you.
  • Always pay attention to the weather information before you travel and while you are on the road.
  • If possible, try to travel with at least two or three other people.
  • Or, travel with another vehicle following you.
  • Watch for ice patches, bridges that might be slippery, and overpasses that might also be slippery.
  • Seek shelter if a storm is too violent and dangerous to travel in.
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