Traveling to see your relatives up North this winter? Chances are you’ll encounter some snow. While a winter wonderland can be a much-welcome view, it can be a nightmare to drive in. Fortunately, with some knowledge and winter driving skills, you can protect yourself from some of the most common types of cold-weather car accidents. And for the mishaps, our personal injury attorneys are here to help.
Drunk Driving
Why It Happens: A person is injured in a drunk driving accident every two minutes, and the risks of these accidents can be severe. During the winter, some people may opt to hop in their car rather than walk or bother with public transportation, since it is so cold outside.
How To Prevent It: Before you go out and about this winter, make a transportation plan. Call a rideshare service, choose a designated driver, or bundle up to walk. Getting behind the wheel drunk is never a worthy risk.
Sliding Into Intersections
Why It Happens: Icy roads can make it difficult to brake, causing drivers to slide through intersections. This is especially true if the driver is moving too quickly.
How To Prevent It: Slow down on icy roads and pump your brakes when you start to slide. Also, be sure to have your brakes checked before you head to a cold area. To reduce congestion and improve safety at intersections, some cities are considering innovative solutions like roundabouts to cut accidents and congestion.
Poor Visibility
Why It Happens: Heavy snowfall makes it difficult to drive, often simply because it’s nearly impossible to see. This can cause drivers to collide or drive off the road.
How To Prevent It: If the snow makes it difficult to see, pull into a parking lot or off of the road. Often, waiting it out is safer than pushing through. You should also check the weather forecast before you head out for the day. In some areas, authorities are leveraging technology to improve driving conditions, as seen in Sandy Springs’ partnership with Waze to alleviate traffic confusion.
Remember:
You are not required to drive if you feel unsafe. Check the weather and pull over if conditions are too severe for you. But in the event of a winter car accident, be sure to call a personal injury attorney. This professional can help you navigate your case and try to get you compensation. For more guidance on what to do after an accident, consider reading about the vital steps to take after an auto accident.