Highway pileups are scary. They conjure up the mental image of newscasters interviewing distressed car accident victims ravaged by snow and the elements. Part of the reason they are so scary is the lack of control you have over the situation -- if you are in the wrong place, at the wrong time, there is very little you can do to avoid getting in a crash.
However, there are steps you can take to avoid a pileup before you ever get on the highway. Always check the weather before you travel; consider changing your plans if there is a blizzard or bad fog conditions forecast. If you must drive in the snow, be sure to outfit your car with snow tires and drive a speed that is safe for the weather conditions present. If it gets too dangerous, exit the highway and find a safe place to pull over. On the highway, leave plenty of room in front of you, and don't come to a stop if you aren't able to see -- just proceed at a reduced speed.
If you do end up unlucky enough to be stuck in a pileup, here's what you can do to help keep yourself safe. First, brake hard and fast. If possible, steer around obstacles ahead of you, even if it means going into the grass. Turn on your hazard lights, and if you are able to move your car, do your best to get it off the road, or better, around the pileup. Stay in your car -- your inclination will be to run for safety, but if there are still trucks plowing into the cars behind you, it is not safe to leave your vehicle. If collisions have stopped, run for cover behind a strong barrier, and try to flag oncoming cars before they meet the same fate. A highway pileup might be one of the scariest challenges you face as a driver, but these tips could help save your life.
Infographic by: blog.cjponyparts.com
However, there are steps you can take to avoid a pileup before you ever get on the highway. Always check the weather before you travel; consider changing your plans if there is a blizzard or bad fog conditions forecast. If you must drive in the snow, be sure to outfit your car with snow tires and drive a speed that is safe for the weather conditions present. If it gets too dangerous, exit the highway and find a safe place to pull over. On the highway, leave plenty of room in front of you, and don't come to a stop if you aren't able to see -- just proceed at a reduced speed.
Infographic by: blog.cjponyparts.com
