Winter brings with it challenging road conditions, where snow, ice, and shorter daylight hours make travel riskier for both drivers and pedestrians. Understanding how these conditions affect your safety and knowing your legal rights can be crucial if an accident occurs.
Increased Risks Due to Winter Weather
The Federal Highway Administration notes that about 24% of weather-related accidents take place on snowy, slushy, or icy roads, with another 15% happening during active snowstorms. These conditions can severely impact traction and visibility, making it harder to steer or stop, and can result in more severe accidents due to delayed emergency responses and less vehicle control.
One of the most dangerous factors is black ice, a nearly invisible thin layer of ice on roads, particularly at night or early morning. Even veteran drivers can quickly lose control upon encountering black ice, leading to over 150,000 crashes annually in the U.S., with more than 550 fatalities.
As winter days shorten, darkness falls earlier, making it difficult to see pedestrians, especially in areas where sidewalks may be obstructed by snow or folks may be wearing dark clothing. Nearly 80% of pedestrian fatalities occur at night, and winter exacerbates this issue.
Common Winter Driving Errors
Many winter accidents are avoidable yet occur due to typical driver errors. A frequently neglected task is the thorough removal of snow and ice from vehicles. Leaving snow on the roof can lead to obstructed windshields or snow detaching and hitting other cars. States like New Jersey and Pennsylvania have legislation penalizing drivers for neglecting this task.
Other hazardous habits include driving too fast for the road conditions, tailgating, and failing to use headlights in snow or dim lighting. Abrupt braking or sharp turns on untreated roads can cause skids and increase the risk of collisions.
The Extra Hazards of Rural Roads and Trucks
Winter poses unique challenges for rural drivers, where roads might not be plowed or salted expediently, and bridges freeze more quickly than other surfaces. Poor lighting and fewer signals make spotting pedestrians or icy patches more difficult, and longer response times for emergencies can worsen accidents.
Commercial truck drivers face even greater challenges, as trucks require more space to stop. Even cautious braking might not prevent a jackknife accident, which can cause severe roadblocks and multi-vehicle pileups. The Federal Highway Administration reports more than 1,800 fatalities each year from crashes on snowy or icy roads, often involving large trucks.
The 2021 Fort Worth pileup, a 130-vehicle accident due to icy roads, tragically took six lives and injured many others, showcasing the potential severity of winter road accidents.
Distraction and Low Visibility: A Dangerous Mix
Distractions significantly heighten the risks on wintry roads. Drivers adjusting heaters or navigation systems and pedestrians preoccupied with avoiding slips may lead to dangerous situations. This can be particularly perilous for children heading to school in the morning or older adults with balance issues.
The interplay of ice, limited visibility, and swift traffic creates a critical hazard during winter months.
Effective Winter Safety Measures
Drivers can mitigate risks by adopting certain precautions: clearing snow and ice completely from vehicles, driving at lower speeds, and maintaining a safe distance between cars for better traction. Gentle braking can prevent skids, and carrying an emergency kit with essentials like a blanket and sand or kitty litter helps if stuck.
Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing to enhance visibility. Sticking to designated crosswalks and avoiding walking on roads, even if sidewalks are blocked, is crucial. Remaining focused and not using phones while crossing roads can lower risks.
Legal Assistance Following Accidents
Even with all possible precautions, winter accidents still occur and often lead to complex legal claims. If you're involved in a winter accident, whether as a driver or pedestrian, seeking a personal injury lawyer's advice can be invaluable. They can assist with insurance claims, evaluate damages, and fight for equitable compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Don’t delay in getting help. Reach out to our firm today to comprehend your rights and legal options after a winter accident.