Winter can be a beautiful time of year in snowy regions, but it's also important to be aware of the dangers that come with driving in icy conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are an average of 1,300 traffic fatalities and over 116,000 serious injuries each year related to snow and ice. Driving in snow and icy conditions sometimes can't be helped. Play it safe on the roadways if you must be out in during and after a snow or ice event.
Here are some tips for staying safe on snowy roads:
Slow down. If you must travel on unsafe roadways, this is the most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of an accident. The speed limit is just a maximum, and you should always drive slower than the posted speed limit in snowy conditions.
Leave extra space between you and the car in front of you. It takes longer to stop on icy roads, so it's important to give yourself plenty of space to react if the car in front of you stops suddenly.
Avoid sudden braking and acceleration. This can cause your car to skid. If you need to slow down, do so gradually.
Be extra careful when turning and changing lanes. It's easy to lose control of your car when turning or changing lanes on icy roads. Make sure to signal well in advance and take your time.
If you start to skid, don't slam on the brakes. This will only make the skid worse. Instead, take your foot off the gas pedal and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.
If you are involved in a car accident on a snowy road,
the most important thing to do is to check to see if anyone is injured.
If someone is injured, call 911 immediately.
Once everyone is safe, you should exchange contact information with the other driver
and take pictures of the damage to both vehicles.
You should also file a police report.
This will help to document the accident and create a record of what happened.
If you are injured in the accident, you should seek medical attention right away.
Even if your injuries seem minor, it's important to have them checked out by a doctor.
After you have been treated for your injuries, you should contact a personal injury lawyer.
A personal injury lawyer can help you to file a claim against the other driver and obtain compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
If you live in a snowy region, it's important to be prepared for the dangers of winter driving. By following the tips above, you can reduce your risk of an accident.
However, if you are involved in an accident, it's important to know what to do.
By contacting a personal injury lawyer, you can get the help you need to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.
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