Winter Weather in Georgia: Driving Tips for Icy Roads

Although weather in the south is typically moderate, ice and snow do happen. And when it happens out of the blue, it seems chaos takes over on the highways. Many drivers are caught unprepared for winter storms. The weather is getting colder, so it is a good time to talk about winter and driving.

The worst winter storms in Atlanta

You may remember several snowstorms that caused a great amount of havoc and accidents in the Atlanta area. Even a small amount of snow and ice can create a large amount of damage. Just a few in Atlanta-area history include:

• Snow Jam 1982: After four inches of snow fell across the state, thousands of people were stranded on highways and at work. Some even abandoned their cars on the road and walked home. This citywide standstill lasted several days.
• Blizzard of 1993: Out of nowhere in March, this storm dumped three feet of snow on northern Georgia and four inches in the Atlanta metro area. Fifteen people died across the state. The blizzard left thousands of motorists stranded on the highways and half a million people without power.
• Super Bowl Ice Storm: One week before Atlanta hosted the Super Bowl in January 2000, an ice storm hit the state, leaving half a million without power. The storm hit again on Super Bowl weekend, leading to hundreds of car accidents, including a 47-car wreck. [11 Alive]
• “Snowpocalypse” of 2014. Also called “Snowmaggedon 2014,” this storm crippled the Atlanta metro area for more than a week. Drivers were caught unaware are sleet and snow moved rapidly into the area. The coverage of dozens of cars gridlocked and then abandoned on the roads received national coverage.

Staying safe on wintry roads

If you find yourself out on the road during winter weather, keep these tips in mind:

• Ensure your car is ready for winter—topped off with antifreeze, winter-ready windshield wiper fluid, and tires with a proper tread.
• Do not tailgate. You need more space to brake on slippery roads than on clear, dry roads.
• Be alert for off- and on-ramps and bridges, as they freeze before the regular roadway.
• Slow down and brake gently to reduce skidding and sliding. Review what you should do if your car skids or fishtails.
• Exercise caution around plows and salt/sand trucks. These vehicles have limited visibility, and the road in front of them is likely untreated.
• Make an emergency kit for your car in case you find yourself stranded. Be sure to include an extra blanket! (Ready.gov provides this helpful list to build your emergency kit.)
• Keep sand, salt, or even cat litter in your trunk in case your car gets stuck in the snow. These can all provide traction and help avoid spinning your wheels.

If you end up in a car accident, the attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP can help with your case. To arrange a no-obligation consultation, call us at 404-961-7650 at our Atlanta office, or in Savannah at 912-651-9967, or fill out our contact form.