Wintertime is filled with holiday cheer, the exchanging of gifts with loved ones, and beautiful snowy scenery. However, that snow can become deadly when it comes to driving and travel. Knowing the most common winter driving hazards can help you be more aware on the road and avoid accidents during the most wonderful time of the year. For legal assistance during an injury claim or lawsuit, reach out to a Rockland County auto accident lawyer to set up your consultation today.
What Are the Most Common Winter Driving Hazards?
While the winter months bring warm memories and an excuse to bundle up, they can also bring a variety of driving hazards. Consider the following before getting on the road this winter.
- Ice: Ice is one of the most dangerous hazards that arises during the colder months. When the temperatures are low enough, rain or melted ice on the road will freeze, creating slick surfaces that tires cannot grip. Ice, particularly black ice, is often hard to see and can result in you losing control of the vehicle and spinning out of control.
- Low visibility: Poor visibility is also a serious hazard during the winter. Snowstorms can create walls of white that prevent drivers from seeing more than a few feet ahead of them. Snow flying off of other cars or trees can also impair vision while driving, and windshields tend to take forever to defrost.
- Low tire pressure: When temperatures drop the cold air can reduce the pressure in your tires. You may not realize that your tires are slowly leaking as it gets colder and colder outside.
- Salt: Salt on the roads benefits drivers as it helps facilitate snow and ice melting quicker. However, it can damage your car due to its corrosive makeup. It can erode important parts of the car’s undercarriage like brake lines or your exhaust system.
- Cold temperatures: Cold weather often results in dead batteries as it makes it harder to send energy to start the car. If you are stranded because of a dead battery, the cold weather will not be your friend. It can be fierce and a hazard to your health, causing frostbite, hypothermia, breathing problems, and more.
- Bridges: Bridges and overpasses freeze faster than regular roads as cold air penetrates the surface from above and below. Ramps and bridges will generally become slippery and dangerous quicker, creating a hazard.
Avoiding an accident and staying safe should be your number one priority this winter. Do not drive if you are uncomfortable with the weather conditions, and if you do get on the road be sure to exercise even more caution than normal.
If you or someone you know were involved in an auto accident it is crucial that you obtain legal representation during your claim or lawsuit. Speak with an experienced injury attorney for more information.
