Winter landscapes are beautiful, but encountering heavy snowfall when you’re on the road can be daunting. At James Alexander Law, our car accident attorneys have seen the tragic results of crashes involving snowstorms, black ice, strong winds, and other inclement weather conditions. They provide some tips for driving in the snow and what to do if you’re injured in a car or truck accident.
Winter Driving Risks
Driving in winter weather can be challenging and pose significant risks, so it’s important to take proper precautions. Some of the most common risks associated with driving in the snow include:
Reduced visibility – Heavy snowfall can limit visibility on the road and make it nearly impossible to see other vehicles, road signs, and obstacles. This can increase the likelihood of car accidents. If you encounter white-out conditions and you’re able to stop somewhere safe, you should.
Icy roads – When ice and snow accumulate on surfaces, roads can become very slippery. This can make it challenging to safely maneuver or bring your vehicle to a stop. Ice and snow on roads can also lead to skidding, spinning out, and losing control of your vehicle.
Snow accumulation – Wind can cause snow to accumulate in drifts, which may lead to vehicles being stuck and roads being blocked.
Stuck vehicles – When vehicles get stuck on snowy roads, the results can be devastating. In addition to delaying traffic, a vehicle stopped on a busy highway can cause fatal accidents involving large trucks and multi-car pileups.
Covered signs and other visibility markers – Snow may cover road signs, traffic lights, lane markings, and other markers that drivers rely on to navigate safely.
Cold temperatures – Extreme cold can lead to dead batteries and other car trouble. Being stuck in your car in freezing temperatures can be deadly. Before winter even begins, make sure to put a cold weather kit in your car that includes blankets, gloves, socks, hats, a flashlight, extra batteries, jumper cables, bottled water, road flares, and a first aid kit.
Road closures – Due to unsafe conditions or to facilitate snow removal, authorities may close roads during heavy snowfall, which can disrupt travel plans and force motorists to find alternative routes.
Tips for Driving in the Snow
Driving in a snowstorm is not only stressful, it can also be dangerous, so it’s best to stay home if you can. However, if you need to go out or heavy snowfall happens unexpectedly, it’s important to know how to stay safe. Some basics to follow when driving in the snow include:
- Check local weather and traffic reports before heading out
- Make sure your windshield washer fluid, antifreeze/coolant, and gas tank are full
- Carry emergency supplies, a snow brush, and an ice scraper in your car
- Take a fully charged smartphone with you
- Remove ice and snow from the roof and all windows, mirrors, and lights
- Slow down and increase following distance
- Remember that even if roads only look wet, they could be covered with black ice
- Bridges and ramps freeze more quickly, so use extra caution when driving on them
- Turn on your headlights, but use your low beams in heavy snow
- Give plow and salt trucks a wide berth
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to arrive
If you get stuck or stranded, stay with your vehicle until help arrives. You may run the engine occasionally to warm up, but make sure the tailpipe is clear of snow and keep a window cracked to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Who is Liable in a Snowstorm Accident?
Liability for snow-related accidents depends on the specific circumstances. Drivers have a duty of care to take extra caution in inclement weather. For example, if someone driving in snow was speeding and spun out, causing a crash, they may be liable if others were hurt or property was damaged.
Even if the speed limit was 70, if they were driving too fast for conditions, they could still be liable for damages. If you’re involved in a snow- or winter-weather-related accident, it’s critical to have an experienced personal injury lawyer in New York evaluate your case and advise you on the best way to move forward.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Central New York
For more than 38 years, the team at James Alexander Law has helped personal injury clients in central New York, Rochester, and the Southern Tier and North Country areas recover the compensation they need to protect their health and financial future. If you’ve been hurt in a snow-related accident in New York, contact us online or call 1-800-529-1333. We offer two convenient locations in East Syracuse and Rochester, New York.
