While the winter season can be one of the most enjoyable times of the year, the winter elements bring added risks that can be avoided with the right approach and preparation. Winter storms, sleet, and a mixture of ice and snow can create less-than-ideal road conditions for drivers. While it’s often recommended to stay home during inclement winter weather, some drivers don’t have a choice. By understanding the most common types of winter accidents, you’ll be able to take the appropriate steps to avoid them and stay safe during any type of weather.
Below we’ll explain the most common types of winter accidents and they can be avoided.
Rear-end Accidents
Rear-end accidents occur year-round, but the risk proves to be even greater in the winter. In cases where drivers follow cars too closely and need to stop suddenly, the winter elements make the risk involved even more prominent: drivers can easily slide on slippery, rainy and icy roadways into the next car. Fortunately, these common accidents are also some of the easiest to prevent. Maintain adequate distance in inclement weather between you and the car ahead to avoid slipping and colliding with them. If you can see the point where the rear tires of a vehicle meet the roadway, you can steer around it if need be. By sticking to this rule and making it a habit, you can avoid costly and dangerous winter collisions.
Black Ice Accidents
Black ice can be more hazardous than other winter elements due to the fact that it isn’t visible. Right when roadway temperatures start dropping below freezing, road precipitation becomes frozen. Steering and braking on frozen surfaces can turn into uncontrollable slides and be a factor in head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, and single car accidents. If you come into contact with black ice on the road and your car begins to slide, resist the urge to tap on the brakes. Instead, release the accelerator and steer your car in the appropriate direction.
Poor Visibility Accidents
The winter elements, including storms, freezing rain, fog and snow can obscure visibility for drivers and lead to dangerous situations. Frozen precipitation on the road can also obscure reflectors and lines on the roads. In poor visibility conditions, drivers who drive at excessive speeds can amplify the risk already present. A smart strategy to avoid visibility-related accidents in winter: slow down and pull over into a safe spot on the side of the road during particularly fierce storms and let them run their course before returning to the road.
If you have been in an accident and are in need of dependable, professional legal assistance, get in touch with Tony Zuber and Paul Brioux today for a free personal injury assessment or to schedule a free consultation. Let’s discuss how we can help and get you the cash settlement you deserve. If you need a spinal cord or a brain injury lawyer in Ottawa, trust Zuber Brioux.