Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers | December 13, 2024 | Personal Injury
Wintertime in Morgantown, West Virginia, brings beautiful landscapes. However, it can also bring dangerous driving conditions. Snow and ice can cause problems and lead to personal injury cases even on short trips. By taking extra precautions, you can protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.
Adjust Your Speed For Conditions
Speed limits are designed for optimal weather, not snow and ice. Driving too fast is one of the leading causes of winter accidents. Reduce your speed significantly in icy conditions for better control. Remember, even four-wheel-drive vehicles need extra time to stop on slippery roads.
Allow More Space Between Vehicles
Tailgating is risky in any situation, but wintery conditions make it especially dangerous. Snow and ice dramatically increase your stopping distance, so maintain a gap of at least six to eight seconds from the vehicle ahead. This buffer will give you time to brake gently if needed and reduce the chances of a collision.
Invest In Winter Tires
Not all tires are created equal. Winter tires have deeper treads and softer rubber, giving them superior traction on snowy and icy surfaces. In West Virginia’s cold months, they can significantly impact your vehicle’s ability to grip the road, reducing the likelihood of skidding.
Clear Your Windows
Take the time to clear snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, and lights before you go anywhere. If you don’t, your view will be limited, which increases your chances of a car accident. Ensure your washer fluid is rated for freezing temperatures, and keep a scraper in your car.
Brake And Accelerate Slowly
Abrupt movements can cause your vehicle to lose traction on slippery roads. Apply the gas and brakes gently to avoid skidding. If you have an antilock braking system (ABS), press the brake pedal firmly and steadily. For vehicles without ABS, pump the brakes to prevent locking up the wheels.
Watch For Black Ice
Black ice is one of the most dangerous hazards of winter driving. It’s nearly invisible and extremely slippery. Since black ice tends to form on shaded parts of roads, bridges, and overpasses, you should travel through these areas carefully. Watch for patches that look wet but are actually frozen.
Don’t Use Cruise Control
Cruise control is great for long trips, but it’s not safe to use on icy or snowy roads. If your car starts to skid, your cruise control system could make the wheels spin faster or unevenly, affecting your ability to stay in control. Keep your foot on the gas pedal so you can adjust to changing road conditions.
Keep An Emergency Kit Handy
Winter weather can lead to delays or emergencies for even the most careful drivers. Put together a winter emergency kit for your car, and make sure it has the following:
- A blanket or extra clothing
- A flashlight
- Spare batteries
- Jumper cables
- A first-aid kit
- Nonperishable snacks and water
- A small shovel and sand or kitty litter (for traction)
Having these things on hand can make a big difference if you’re stranded in the snow or waiting for help.
Check The Weather And Plan Your Route
Before you head out, take a minute to look at the forecast and road conditions. When snow or ice looks like it will cause a problem, consider staying home. If that’s not an option, stick to the major roads. Use a GPS or traffic app to get live updates about road closures and slowdowns.
Stay Safe During The Winter Months
Winter driving can be tricky, but a little planning and caution can go a long way toward keeping safe. Slow down, give yourself plenty of space, and pay attention to what’s happening on the road. It’s better to get there late than not at all.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Charleston
746 Myrtle Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 346-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Beckley
101 N Kanawha St, Suite 101
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Morgantown
453 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Suite 300
Morgantown, WV 26505