Ditch Crashes: Preventing This Danger and Dealing With a Tow
Admin • December 8, 2018
Winter driving is often a scary proposition for many drivers, especially if they lose control and end up crashing in a ditch. Thankfully, many preventative steps are available to minimize the impact of this problem. For example, drivers can prevent the problem with winter tires and improve their response to it by understanding proper towing etiquette.
Poor Tire Treads Can Cause Ditch Crashes
Individuals who do not update their tire treads regularly put themselves at severe risk for ditch crashes in the winter. A straightforward way to gauge a tire's treads is to stick a penny, head first, as far down as it can go into the tread. If the top of Lincoln's head is visible, then replace the tires as soon as possible.
Other symptoms of poor tire treads to watch include skidding when coming to a stop and a difficulty taking off in wet driving conditions. Tires with poor treads need to be swapped out with new tires as soon as possible, preferably winter models designed for cold-weather driving conditions.
Winter Tires Can Prevent These Issues
Those who have had issues skidding while driving in the winter should seriously consider installing winter tires. These types are specifically designed to move snow and slush away from a tire more efficiently and to prevent skids and dangerous slides towards ditches.
Just as important, the treads of winter tires also help to minimize the risk of slipping on ice. But when an accident occurs in spite of a driver's tire preparation methods, they must know how safe their tow area is for the towing company to utilize and must be ready to pay for this service.
Tow Spots Can Be Fairly Specific
Though winter tires may help prevent a majority of ditch crashes, car owners should still understand where to attach tow ropes to their vehicle. Typically, there are a handful of spots on a car that are safe for the tower to use. Many will have a hook underneath the front and back frame for this towing purpose.
Drivers should check these areas for rust or any other types of damage that could threaten their tow. For example, a very rusty tow area could break off during a typical winter tow and cause a severe accident. Maintain these areas with proper rust-preventative measures, including removing rust and painting over the area to keep the damage from spreading even further.
Payment Methods Can Vary
Whenever an individual goes out driving in winter conditions, they should make sure to have some cash for towing available on them. Many towing companies — particularly those run by older individuals — may only accept cash or checks. However, a growing number of companies are expanding their business model to include handheld credit or debit card scanners.
These simple scanners typically plug into a cell phone or other types of electronic devices. When activated, they link a phone to the towing company's bank account and deposit the cash from the card into the account. Research companies that offer this service to ensure that paying for a tow is as convenient as possible.
Preparation Is the Best Choice
Individuals worried about ditch crashes during the winter should take the preparation steps above to ensure that their vehicle is safe. For example, they should install winter tires on their car a month or so before snow typically hits the area. These tires, though designed for snow and cold-weather driving, drive well on dry pavement.
Just as important, concerned individuals need to add a towing specialist to their speed dial to ensure that they don't have to hustle to find somebody to help. In this scenario, contact AA Wrecker Service to get your vehicle out of the ditch. We know the appropriate towing methods necessary for these situations.
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