Winter in Arizona is not something the Grand Canyon State is known for. However, for those who live here, it is a reality. Certain parts of the state, especially those in the mountain regions, do experience snowfall most winters. Even though only certain parts of the state experience snow, lower region temperatures can also drop below freezing in the winter, which presents its own set of problems compared to the much hotter days of summer and fall.
The personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe offer these tips to help prepare for winter in Arizona and avoid potential accidents.
Get Your Vehicle Ready For Winter in Arizona
This is one of the most important steps to take in preparing for winter in Arizona. You should do a simple check on your car before you drive it. If you are unable to inspect your car yourself, visit a qualified mechanic. If you are doing the inspection yourself, here’s what you need to check:
- Car battery: cold weather depletes car batteries. You can check the charge and make sure your battery is in good condition before winter by using a multimeter.
- Fluid levels: check the oil, antifreeze, brake, and wiper fluids.
- Tire pressure: tire pressure lowers as temperatures go down. If your tires dip below the recommended pressure levels then your car may be harder to control, which could lead to a car accident.
- Tire tread: proper tire tread can potentially save your life or prevent an accident on a snow-covered road.
- Windshield wipers: old, worn out windshield wipers will obstruct your vision and leave marks on your windshield, making it difficult to see when it is raining or snowing.
Build a Winter Car Emergency Kit
When driving in the winter, it’s important to keep an emergency kit in your car. No one wants to be in an emergency situation, but it will go more smoothly if you are prepared. Having an emergency kit handy will help in case your car breaks down or you are involved in an accident and have to wait for help to arrive, which could take some time if the weather is bad. Here’s what to keep in a winter car emergency kit:
- Blankets
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Ice scraper/snow removal tool for cars
- Extra hats, scarves, gloves, and other winter clothing items
- Ice/snow melting spray
Drive Carefully During Winter in Arizona
If you have to be out driving in the snow or other wet and icy winter road conditions, it’s important to take extra precautions, especially if you aren’t used to or have never driven in the snow before. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe on the road this winter in Arizona:
- Leave early: account for extra travel time, especially if the roads haven’t been treated or plowed.
- Slow down: reaction time is slower on icy roads. Speeding and then breaking too fast can cause tires to spin out of control.
- Don’t use cruise control: Winter driving requires total control of your vehicle at all times, which is crucial since a patch of black ice can appear on the road even if you can’t see it. It’s best to use cruise control when it is not snowing.
- Remove snow and ice from your car: use an ice scraper to clear off the windshield and windows before driving. Push or scrape the bulk of the snow off the top of the car if it has accumulated significantly. By doing this, it prevents snow from falling off and injuring other drivers.
Schedule an Inspection of Your Home’s HVAC System
Winters in the Arizona desert tend to be mild compared to the rest of the country. When temperatures drop and it’s time to turn on the heat. Get in touch with an HVAC specialist for an inspection of your heating system to see if anything is amiss with wiring or pipes. A faulty HVAC unit could lead to burn injuries and electrocution injuries.
Insulate Your Home
Make sure all your doors, windows, walls, and your attic are properly insulated. This will help keep your home warm. A professional can check if your current insulation needs replaced.
Build a Winter Home Emergency Kit
Along with an emergency kit for the car, you should also stock your house with emergency supplies. Here’s what you should keep in a winter home emergency kit:
- Portable, electric heaters
- Generators
- Fire extinguishers
- Bottled water and non-perishable foods
- Flashlights
- Candles and matches
- Snow shovel
- Salt for melting snow, ice, and providing traction
Salt Your Sidewalks During Winter in Arizona
Salting your sidewalks, driveways, and outdoor stairs is the best way to prevent slip and fall injuries at your home or business this winter. While winter in Arizona is mild, ice and snow accumulation is still possible.
Injured During Winter in Arizona?
Following the tips above can help keep you and your family safe on the road and at home. Even if you stay extra safe this winter, accidents still happen. If you suffer an injury this winter in Arizona due to the negligence of another person, Lerner and Rowe can help.
Our skilled attorneys won’t stop fighting for the compensation you deserve after an injury. Contact us 24/7 at 844-977-1900. We can also be reached via LiveChat, or by completing our contact form.
We offer free case consultations and don’t collect any fees until we win your case. Contact Lerner and Rowe today.