FREDERICK, Md (KR) The fatal accident that happened on Interstate 95 in Baltimore over the weekend is a reminder of how dangerous severe weather can be if you’re driving in it.
AAA Mid-Atlantic says drivers should not head out in severe weather unless it is absolutely necessary. Christine Delise, Public Affairs Specialist with AAA, says one of the safest things you can do in a winter storm is slowing down.
“We also encourage motorist to accelerate slowly and just break slowly and gently so you avoid the chance of your wheels starting to spin and skidding,” said Delise.
She said if you skid on a surface, not to panic but try to regain control of the car.
“With anti-lock breaks you have to keep the pedal depresses and do not pump the breaks. With the old breaking it was the assumption that you’d have to constantly pump the breaks, but the breaking system will do that for you. However, if you do not have anti-lock breaks, then apply the breaks firmly,” said Delise.
AAA says for more tips about winter driving to visit AAA.com.
The Federal Highway Administration says, one-quarter of weather related accidents occurs on snowy, slushy or icy roads, resulting in more than 1,300 deaths and 116,800 people injured each year.