Winter weather makes driving more perilous than usual. Snow and freezing temperatures contribute to road conditions that increase the risk of car accidents. Besides staying alert behind the wheel, it’s essential to be aware of the hazards that can increase accident risks. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Poor Visibility: Snowstorms, rainfall, and fog limit visibility while driving. Heavy winds and snowfall also create whiteouts, which reduce visibility to zero. In these conditions, it becomes difficult to see highways, vehicles, pedestrians, or obstructions, interfering with your sense of direction and distance.
- Icy and Snowy Surfaces: Car tires lose grip on ice- and snow-coated roads, making braking more difficult. Black ice poses a particular hazard as well. It’s a thin layer or patch of ice that blends into the surface. Drivers often don’t notice it until their car begins to slide, escalating into uncontrollable skids and collisions.
- Road Slush: Snowstorms and mixed precipitation often leave slush, a combination of melting snow and water. It creates a slippery layer that causes vehicles to lose traction, reducing steering and braking control.
Slush sometimes contains debris when it melts and freezes as temperatures shift, resulting in uneven surfaces. Moreover, it can conceal potholes, damaged surfaces, and ice formations, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
- Fatigued and Drunk Drivers: With the holiday season underway, winter brings more vehicles onto the roads, and many drivers feel stressed and exhausted while driving. Truck drivers rush to complete deliveries under tight deadlines, while drivers of passenger cars often go on long trips.
Additionally, many people drink more during holiday festivities, and some drive while intoxicated. Fatigue, stress, and intoxication slow reaction times and impair situational awareness.
Safety Tips for Driving in Winter
Now that we’ve outlined the common winter road hazards, let’s move on to the critical precautions to take:
- Thoroughly check your car and ensure the brakes, battery, windshield wipers, and heating system are in optimal condition. Replace your tires with those designed for use on snow and ice.
- Check real-time weather updates and pack a first aid kit and emergency essentials.
- When driving, slow down, brake gently, and maintain a safe following distance.
- Since traction can change abruptly on icy surfaces, refrain from overtaking, accelerating, and using cruise control. Use low gears to give your vehicle a better grip on icy roads.
- Turn on low-beam lights so that rain and snow won’t reflect light and diminish visibility.
Injured in an Auto Accident?
Wintertime presents unique dangers that may lead to car crashes, necessitating diligent preparation before driving. However, accidents can still happen despite taking safety measures, and no one should be left to handle the consequences alone.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a winter car crash, consult Fry | Goehring’s attorneys for personal injury today. We’ll explore your options for filing an injury claim and help you pursue fair compensation.
