Understanding Winter-Weather Driving Safety
Understanding the dangers of driving in the winter, and in the snow, can prove to be beneficial for those hectic commutes in December, January, and February. Most blog articles you’ll find will cover the essential tips for drivers: invest in snow tires, always check your anti-freeze, drive slower and be cautious.
We wanted to take a different approach and use facts and figures from the world of personal injury to show exactly how dangerous it is to drive in the winter/snow, in addition to providing more detailed tips. For more information, click here to call us now!
Winter-Weather Accident Statistics:
Here’s some great information from the NHTSA and the Federal Highway Administration:
- 3% of weather-related accidents occur due to fog.
- 17% of weather-related accidents occur due to snow.
- 70% of weather-related accidents occur on wet pavement.
- 46% of weather-related accidents occur during active rainfall.
- 13% of weather-related accidents occur due to icy pavement.
- 17% of all motor vehicle accidents happen during winter-weather related conditions.
- Roughly 25% of all motor vehicle accidents, just over 1.2M, are weather-related in nature.
- Winter-weather, like snowy and icy roadways, is responsible for just under 1,800 deaths and over 135,000 injuries each year.
Practice Safe Driving Behavior, It Can Save Lives!
Here are five different ways that you and your family can work to practice safety while driving in winter-weather:
- Reduce Speed: In winter weather, you should reduce your speed to guarantee that you have enough time to properly react to any potentially unexpected events on the road. This will also help you slow down without skidding.
- Increase Distance Between Vehicles: Similarly to the above, increasing the amount of space you leave between you and the vehicle ahead of you. This will help prevent any bumper-to-bumper motor vehicle accidents.
- No Distractions: We can’t urge you enough, when driving in winter weather, please resist the temptation to interact with the radio, your cell phone, or any other in-vehicle activities while behind the wheel.
- Avoid Cruise Control: Using cruise control in winter weather is not a great idea – it can help to increase the chance that you will lose control of your motor vehicle while driving.
- Skidding? Stay Calm: If your vehicle begins to skid, don’t worry! Stay calm, and continue to look and drive in the direction that you were previously going. Avoid slamming your foot on the break, as it can make the situation more difficult.
Our Team of Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys Work Will Work to Prove Your Case!
Our auto accident lawyers have built a network of investigators and accident reconstructionists who are distinguished in their fields of expertise. Together with these experts, we work to determine the cause of your vehicle crash.
We will collaborate with our own medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries.
If it is determined that your injuries and property damage are the result of another’s negligent or reckless behavior, we commit the full thrust of our force to fight for the maximum compensation possible for you.
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Schedule a Free Consultation with the Personal Injury Attorneys at Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban!
If you sustained injuries in a motor vehicle accident anywhere in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Virginia, the personal injury attorneys at Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban may be able to help. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. Call us today at (855) 435-7247 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. You can also contact us by filling out the form below. Once you’ve filled it out, and we’ve received it, we will make sure to reach out to you as soon as we possibly can. Thanks!
