Most Common Winter Driving Accidents
Accidents and injury happen year-round, any auto injury accident lawyer will tell you that; however, winter brings with it some intense weather conditions that can make hitting the road that much more dangerous than it already is. When you combine distracted or reckless drivers with heavy snowfall, icy roads and limited visibility, disaster is bound to strike. Winter is unforgiving, and small mistakes that may not seem like a big deal in the summer can lead to a serious accident and injury during the winter.
The roads get slipperier this time around, visibility is reduced and there is an increase in traffic due to the weather, and these things are the major reasons for the occurrence of major accidents. In this blog post, however, we will be covering the most common winter driving accidents that occur during the winter and how you can best avoid being involved in an accident and injury.
Rear-End Collisions
Slamming on your breaks may seem like an effective way to come to a quick and complete stop during the summer, but an icy road limits breaking ability. Rear-end collisions are mostly caused by distracted drivers or drivers who follow too closely behind another vehicle, and while an abrupt stop may cause the guilty party to slam on their brakes, the chances of them stopping in time to avoid an accident are slim during the winter.
When you attempt to brake suddenly on an icy road, your wheels stop moving but continue to slide on the ice, and once your car has entered a slide, it can be hard to regain traction. This will inevitably lead to a rear-end collision, and an auto injury accident lawyer may need to be contacted if the accident is severe.
To avoid a rear-end collision during the winter, you should double your following distance and avoid distractions while behind the wheel. Another effective strategy is to pump your breaks and break slowly to avoid entering a slide. The only way to avoid a rear-end collision as well as an accident and injury is through cautious and defensive driving.
Spin Out Collisions
Spinning out refers to situations in which a driver loses complete control of their car, causing the vehicle to slide in various different directions until the driver wither regains control or strikes another vehicle or object. In more sever accident and injury cases, a vehicle may even flip into a ditch or begin to roll. Spin outs can occur if you don’t have the proper tires equipped for snow, if the ground is extremely slick, if you’re attempting to break too quickly or if you are driving faster than the recommended safe speed limit.
To avoid spinning out, drive slowly in extreme conditions and avoid breaking while you take turns. If you happen to find yourself in a spin out situation, remain calm, don’t slam on your brakes and steer in the direction of the skid until you regain control.
Lane Drifting Accidents
Lane drifting often occurs when visibility is low during a snowstorm, however also happens when a driver is driving distracted or under the influence. During the winter, lane markings may be covered by the snow, making it hard for drivers to stay within their lanes. This leads to lane drifting, which may ultimately lead to an unintentional collision between two drivers. Of course, an auto injury accident lawyer may also note that a lane-drifting collision can lead to a spinout, making the accident and injury that much more severe.
To avoid lane drifting, it’s best to stay observant. Even if you can’t see the lane markings, watch other cars around you and keep a safe distance from them. Oftentimes, tracks from other vehicles may give you an idea of where your lane is, so make sure that you stay aware and undistracted.
These accidents are most prevalent during the wintertime but can happen at any time of the year. The best way to ultimately avoid an accident and injury is to drive defensively, stay aware and obey the traffic laws. If you require legal representation after an accident and injury, contact an auto injury accident lawyer here at Robert J. DeBry and Associates. We will help you get the proper compensation that you deserve for your damages, injuries and any lost wages.
Sources:
https://www.defensivedriving.com/blog/the-most-common-winter-driving-accidents-and-how-to-avoid-them/
https://gesinjuryattorneys.com/common-winter-accidents/