It’s the time of year again when the weather starts to makes its seasonal change into winter. It’s a sad fact that it is the time of year when more accidents can happen than at other times due to the increased hazards created by low temperatures, strong winds, heavy rain and poor driving conditions.

The best way to approach the hazardous season of winter is to prepare in advance. Here we share with you some tips on some precautions you can take so that you’re prepared for any eventuality.

• Keep an eye on the weather of any destination you have planned on a roadtrip or other journey and be prepared to cancel if advised to do so by radio or TV broadcast. If you’re already en route when you’re stuck in bad weather, be ready to find somewhere to stop and check-in to for the night.
• When you’re planning your trip, make a list of some places on your journey where you’ll be able to stay overnight and note their opening times and telephone numbers. This is extra important if you’re on a hiking trail as it’s even easier to lose track when there’s heavy rain or snow.
• Always ensure your mobile devices have sufficient battery power or that you have some kind of travel charger so that you always have an open line of communication should you run into difficulty.
• Make sure you leave a detailed copy of your travel plans, including any scheduled checkpoints and departure/arrival times if you’re flying so that there’s someone in a better position to get you help keeping an eye on you.
• Never take any unnecessary risks. If you’re hiking or rock-climbing and run into difficulty, it’s natural to expect emergency services to take some time to locate you. Make sure you have enough survival items packed and with you to support you through any times you may need to rely on it.
• If you’re in a group make sure everyone stays together. Don’t suddenly think you’re in a movie and that some should go look for help while the others stay behind as it only complicates things significantly for search and rescue teams. If you have prepared ahead and let someone know that if they’re not contacted within a certain timeframe, they are to assume the group has run into difficulty and must alert emergency services.
• If you’re on a roadtrip, make sure you do all the necessary checks to your vehicle ahead of setting off in the winter months. Check your lights, brakes, fluid levels and tires and make sure you put some chains, flashlight, blankets and a first aid kit in your trunk. Keep an eye on your fuel tank and make notes ahead of leaving as to where you’ll need to refuel to prevent running low on gas while on your trip.
• Pack extra food and water to factor in any delays on your journey or the possibility of being stranded for any period of time. Keeping yourself topped up with food and water is as important as having enough gas in your engine and ensuring your energy levels are high will significantly improve your endurance.

Prepare for the Worst and Aim for the Best when Out and About in Winter Months

Enjoying the great outdoors is fun in the winter months and the way to ensure you and your family have the best time is by being prepared! When you take care of all the details ahead of any trip, particularly if you have young children, it can take a huge amount of stress out of the equation and make for a more enjoyable time. The risk of accidents are increased in the winter months and so it’s worth bearing in mind that should there ever be a significant event that impacts you and your family, it’s advisable to call a personal injury attorney if you are seeking representation after an accident.