A vehicle with four-wheel drive is incredibly useful in certain scenarios, but traveling in wintry conditions isn’t one of them. If you want to avoid getting into an auto accident when the roads are slick, each tire’s traction matters far more than its power. Below, the team at The Law Offices of Daniel L. Crandall & Associates in Roanoke, VA, explains why.

How to Avoid an Auto Accident When the Roads Are Icy

Why 4-Wheel Drive Won’t Necessarily Help

When you engage the four-wheel-drive (4WD) feature of your car, truck, or SUV, all four wheels receive input from the engine simultaneously. This provides more power and forward motion than two-wheel-drive, which is typically the default state on standard passenger vehicles. The additional power that results from engaging 4WD can be helpful when taking on steep hills, traveling over rough terrain, or driving through muddy puddles where just one or two wheels are likely to get stuck. Unfortunately, driving a vehicle with 4WD does not reduce the risk of causing an auto accident in snow or ice because power is not the problem when the roads are slick; traction is. 

Why the Tires Themselves Can Reduce the Risk of a Crash

When your wheels hit a patch of ice and no longer have traction, it is easy to lose control of the vehicle and enter into a skid. The only way to prevent this from happening is to slow down in poor conditions and maintain your tires all winter long. This includes replacing them when the treads wear down and keeping them properly inflated at all times. Bald tires are more likely to lose traction and require significantly more stopping distance than tires with adequate tread depth. Some vehicles have traction control systems, as well; however, such systems are not effective on surfaces where there is no traction whatsoever, like ice.

If you were hurt in an auto accident despite maintaining your vehicle and adjusting your speed for the wintry conditions, turn to The Law Offices of Daniel L. Crandall & Associates in Roanoke, VA. A compassionate personal injury attorney on their team will evaluate the circumstances of the collision to determine the most strategic way for you to proceed. Check out their website to learn what past clients have to say about the unparalleled counsel they provide, or call (540) 342-2000 to schedule an initial consultation today.