Preventing Auto Accidents In The Winter
Kane County is no stranger to cold and snowy winters. During the second week of February of this year, St. Charles received over 14 inches of snow over a span of four days. Shoveling the driveway and sidewalk is hard enough, but what happens when you need to operate a vehicle during the harsh Midwest winter?
Statistics
Every year, approximately 900 people are killed in an auto accident during winter precipitation, and 1,300 are killed because of pre-existing road conditions such as snow, ice, or slush. Thousands more are injured, despite almost 75 percent of the United States regularly experiencing winter weather.
In an act of preparing for the harsh winter ahead, here are some tips for keeping safe on the roads, despite unfavorable conditions:
Go Slow - Your safety is more important than getting to your destination quickly. It takes longer to stop your car on snow or ice, giving you a shorter reaction time if you are speeding. If your destination is time-sensitive, consider leaving early. Other people will be driving slow as well. If conditions are too bad, safely pull over.
Remember Road Rules - Bad weather can be overwhelming for any driver, but it is as important of a time as any to be a mindful driver. Keep an eye out for other cars, pedestrians, or wildlife. Visibility may be at an all time low. Remember to keep off your cell phone as well; it is the law. Going half of the speed limit does not make it any safer for you to text and drive.
Do Not Risk It - For important matters, it may be unavoidable to get on the road during poor conditions, but if you do need to drive, make sure your car is well prepared for the snow. Your car will handle much differently on top of ice or heavy snow than during the summer on clean pavement. Some safety additions to your vehicle may include snow tires, chains, or sandbags in the trunk, in addition to having four-wheel drive. If you cannot make your car safe to drive or still have concerns over your well-being while driving in winter conditions, consider taking public transportation instead or asking for a ride from someone with a car that is better equipped for the snow.
Contact an Aurora, IL Car Accident Attorney
Ice and snow can make car accidents that much more devastating. If you were hurt or lost a loved one to an auto accident during the winter, contact an experienced Kane County Personal Injury Attorney. You may be eligible for compensation for the carelessness of others during poor weather conditions. Call 630-907-0909 to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
https://abipdx.com/news/ridiculously-simple-ways-prevent-car-crash-winter-personal
http://kanecountyconnects.com/2018/02/wow-snow-totals-9-straight-days-of-snowfall-18-3-inches/
http://www.safewinterroads.org/safety/
