It feels wonderful in Memphis today, but enjoy it while you can because the ice storm is coming, or so we are told it is.

The high on Friday is 34 degrees with a 100% chance of precipitation, meaning a high potential of icy streets late Thursday and into Friday.  That will be followed by a chance of snow on Sunday and Monday.

In Memphis, if there’s an inch of snow or ice on the ground, the city almost all but shuts down.  Though snow and ice hits Memphis every year, it’s not frequent so drivers must always adjust.

The Weather Channel offers driving safety tips in snow and ice.   To avoid an accident this weekend, and for the rest of the winter season, please follow these tips.

Try to not go out until after the snow plows and sanding trucks have done their job.  Then, allow yourself extra time to get where you need to go.

When driving on icy roads –

  • Slow down and leave yourself plenty of room behind the car in front of you so you can comfortably stop.  Rule of thumb is to allow at least three times more space than usual.
  • Ease on your brakes gently to avoid skidding.  If your wheels start to lock up, then ease off the brakes.
  • Turn your lights on so other drivers can see you better.
  • Make sure your lights and windshield are clean.
  • Stay in low gears to maintain traction, especially on hills.
  • Don’t use cruise control or overdrive.
  • Be extremely careful on bridges, overpasses and roads that aren’t traveled on often.  All of these surfaces will freeze first, and if they are wet, they may freeze at temperatures above freezing.
  • Don’t try to pass snow plows and sanding trucks.  The drivers of these vehicles have very limited visibility.
  • Never assume that your vehicle can handle all conditions, even if your car is four-wheel drive.

What to Do If Someone Else Causes Your Accident

Please drive safely out there on the roads.

If you do find yourself or a loved one injured in a car accident and it was someone else’s fault, you need someone on your side to help you deal with pushy insurance companies.  You need someone experienced in car accident cases – cases we at Darrell Castle & Associates have excelled at for over 25 years.

If the person who caused the car accident is uninsured, it may feel like there’s nothing you can do.  Though it can be hard to receive payment for injuries in a crash with an uninsured driver, it’s nothing we haven’t done before.

If any of this happens to you, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at (901) 327-1212.  We’ll discuss your case with you free of charge.