Drivers can reduce their risk of wintertime car accidents by preparing their vehicles for winter driving and adjusting their driving techniques.
Winter weather creates challenging driving conditions, as most Illinois residents know. According to the Federal Highway Administration, between 2000 and 2010, 46 percent of all weather-related crashes that occurred annually involved fog, sleet, snow or slick pavement. On average, these accidents caused over 158,000 injuries and 2,432 fatalities per year. Given this significant risk of weather-related winter accidents, drivers should understand how to lower their likelihood of experiencing one.
Proactive measures
Conscientious driving habits can reduce the risk of a driver causing a car accident or becoming involved in one. During inclement weather, drivers should follow the f
ollowing four tips:
• Travel cautiously and make deliberate maneuvers. Loss of traction can occur with sudden changes in speed or direction, so acceleration, braking and turns should be as smooth as possible. Drivers should also increase their following distance and use caution around areas prone to freezing, such as bridges, intersections, ramps and shaded areas.
• Drive predictably and maintain visibility. Drivers should always use signals to give other drivers an early warning about intended maneuvers, such as lane changes or turns. Drivers should also turn on their headlights to make their vehicles more visible to others.
• Keep vehicles properly prepared for winter. Early in the season, drivers should check essential vehicle components and fluids, such as the battery, tires, wipers, anti-freeze and washer fluid. The Illinois Department of Transportation also advises drivers to keep their gas tanks more than two-thirds full to prevent the freezing of fuel lines.
• Store an emergency kit in the vehicle. Drivers should stock the kit with flares, washer fluid, jumper cables and abrasive materials, which can be used to improve traction. The kit should also include food, blankets and first aid supplies.
These measures can lower the risk of accidents or serious injury. However, these steps may not always protect drivers against accidents that other motorists cause.
Addressing winter accidents
The victims of winter driving accidents may be entitled to compensation, depending on the circumstances. For example, if a driver caused an accident while traveling at a speed that was reckless given the weather conditions, the driver could be considered negligent. If the driver’s negligence directly contributed to a person’s injury, the driver could be held liable. Other factors, such as poor road maintenance or vehicle design, may also contribute to winter driving accidents and provide grounds for other types of personal injury claims.
After a winter driving accident, correctly determining liability and preserving evidence can be difficult. Accident victims often can benefit from contacting a personal injury attorney for advice and assistance.
