Car crashes that occur on snowy or icy roads can be complicated and raise questions about liability.
When a car skids on an icy road and collides with another vehicle, determining fault can be challenging. Is it solely the driver’s responsibility, or are other factors at play, such as road maintenance or weather conditions?
In this blog post, we explore who is typically considered at fault, the legal concept of “Act of God,” and provide essential tips to avoid accidents in snowy or icy weather.
Understanding Liability in Car Crashes on Icy Roads
Car accidents that happen in winter weather conditions often result from a combination of factors.
These factors may include the driver’s actions, road conditions, and the weather. Determining liability in such situations requires a thorough evaluation of the circumstances.
Driver Responsibility
In most cases, the responsibility for a car crash on an icy road falls primarily on the driver.
When individuals choose to drive in winter weather, they are expected to exercise caution and drive responsibly.
This responsibility includes adhering to the principle of “reasonable care,” which entails:
• Appropriate Speed: Driving at a speed suitable for the current weather and road conditions.
• Caution: Being cautious, alert, and attentive to potential hazards.
• Limiting Distractions: Minimizing distractions while driving, such as texting or talking on the phone.
• Awareness: Recognizing the challenges posed by icy or slippery roads and adjusting driving behavior accordingly.
Even if a driver was traveling below the speed limit at the time of the crash, if they were driving too fast for the icy conditions, they can still be held partially responsible for the accident.
Shared Responsibility
There are instances where liability may be shared between the driver and other parties, such as the municipality or road maintenance company responsible for road conditions.
If inadequate road maintenance, such as insufficient plowing or sanding, contributed to the accident, these entities may be held partially liable.
However, in the majority of cases, car accidents that occur in winter weather conditions are primarily the responsibility of the driver.
Operating a vehicle carries the obligation to drive safely and responsibly, considering the prevailing conditions. Failure to do so may result in accountability for the consequences of a car crash.
The ‘Act of God’ Defense
Insurance companies may occasionally attempt to deny coverage for a car crash by invoking the “Act of God” defense.
This defense implies that the accident was an unforeseeable and uncontrollable event caused by natural forces, such as extreme weather conditions.
However, successfully using the “Act of God” argument to deny coverage is rare.
To do so, the insurer must demonstrate that the accident could not have been anticipated or prevented through any reasonable human measures.
In most cases, weather-related accidents do not meet this criterion.
For example, consider a scenario where a vehicle is driving in a blizzard with limited visibility and rear-ends another car due to the slippery road.
While the insurance company might argue that the accident was caused by an “Act of God” because the driver had no control over the weather, the driver still had a duty to exercise caution.
If driving at a slower speed could have prevented the collision, the “Act of God” defense is likely to be unsuccessful.
In essence, car accidents that occur in winter weather conditions are typically attributed to driver negligence rather than categorized as “Acts of God.”
How to Avoid Car Accidents in Snowy or Icy Weather
Preventing car accidents in snowy or icy weather requires proactive measures and responsible driving.
Here are essential steps to help you avoid accidents during adverse winter conditions:
Prepare Your Vehicle
• Ensure your car is winter-ready by equipping it with proper tires featuring sufficient tread.
• Inflate your tires to their recommended levels to optimize traction.
• Verify that your car’s brakes are in good working order to facilitate safe stopping.
Plan Ahead
• Allocate extra time for your journey to accommodate potential delays due to weather conditions.
• Avoid rushing, as haste can lead to accidents. Leave earlier to reach your destination safely.
Drive Carefully
• Reduce your driving speed in icy conditions, even below posted speed limits.
• Exercise caution when approaching bridges and overpasses, as they tend to freeze before other road segments.
• Increase your following distance to allow for longer stopping distances on slippery roads.
• Turn on your headlights to improve your visibility and make your vehicle more noticeable to other drivers.
Reacting to Black Ice
Black ice is a particularly hazardous winter road condition, as it is almost invisible.
It forms when the temperature is at or below freezing, and moisture on the road surface freezes, creating a thin, transparent layer of ice.
Black ice is commonly found on bridges, overpasses, and shaded road sections.
When encountering black ice:
• Slow down gradually to avoid sudden braking, which can lead to loss of control.
• In the event of skidding, remain calm and take your foot off the gas pedal.
• Steer in the direction of the skid to regain control of your vehicle.
• If necessary, apply gentle braking to reduce speed.
By following these precautions and driving responsibly, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents during snowy or icy weather conditions.
Car crashes on icy roads are often the result of a combination of factors, including driver behavior, road conditions, and weather.
While determining liability can be complex, the primary responsibility typically falls on the driver.
When individuals choose to drive in winter weather, they are expected to exercise “reasonable care” by adapting their driving to the conditions and exercising caution.
