Driving in winter weather often entails different risks than one may face in other seasons. Even if the overall number of car accidents is not higher in the winter, there is a greater rate of accidents per mile driven. Not only do the common types of car accident risks apply in the winter, but also there are additional dangers that can result in crashes. Drivers cannot point to the weather as the reason for the car accident because they must exercise reasonable care under all circumstances.
Following Too Closely
Drivers must allow extra following distance between their car and the vehicle in front of them during the winter. Ideally, they should maintain 8 to 10 seconds of driving time between cars. Motorists may need to stop short because of the weather conditions or the fact that the car in front of them has slowed down considerably. Excessive tailgating raises the risk of a rear-end car accident that can result in whiplash injuries.
Poorly Maintained Vehicles
Drivers need to get their cars ready for the winter months. One of the most important things that drivers need to do is check their tires. Winter weather conditions are notoriously brutal on tires. The air pressure in the tires is lowered, and the treads could wear out excessively. Drivers need their tires to bring their vehicles to a stop and avoid hitting other cars on the road. Unfortunately, drivers are either lazy or not vigilant, and they do not perform necessary maintenance on their vehicles to get ready for the winter.
Not Anticipating Black Ice
Black ice is a virtually invisible danger that is often present on the roads in winter, and especially in the mornings. If the roadway appears wet, chances are that it is more likely to be ice than rain, especially when the temperature has dropped below freezing overnight. Drivers may not anticipate black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses. The result is that the tires may lose contact with the roadway, and the car will skid dangerously.
Poor Visibility
There are numerous ways that winter weather conditions can affect driver visibility. The most obvious is that motorists are less able to see when it is snowing outside. Other drivers may not be able to see out of their windshields because of ice and the fact that they have not properly cleared it before getting behind the wheel. They may have snow falling off the roof of their car and onto their windshield when they are driving. Poor visibility is a contributor to serious car accidents, including multi-car pileups.
Lack of Winter Driving Experience
The ability to better handle difficult winter conditions may improve over time and with experience. Those who have not spent time driving in the winter may not know how to handle the conditions, and even what to do when their car skids. Newer drivers and those who have recently moved to the area may not have this experience, and you are at risk while they are learning how to drive in the winter. Alternatively, other drivers may have overconfidence that is not commensurate with the amount of winter weather driving experience that they have.
Fatigued Driving
The days are shorter in the winter, and it gets darker earlier. Drivers may get on the roadway in the morning for their commute before it is light outside, and they may return home after it gets dark. The darkness can impact the body’s rhythms, so it is essential that drivers get enough sleep. However, motorists may not rest enough, and their reflexes could be affected as a result.
Somerset County Car Accident Lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. Will Help You Recover From Your Winter Accident
If you had a motor vehicle accident in winter conditions, you must be vigilant about your legal rights, and reaching out to the Somerset County car accident lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. is one way to protect them. Call us today at 732-247-3600or fill out the online form for a free consultation. Our offices are in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Manalapan, New Jersey, and we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.
