Our Car Accident Lawyers at Levine and Wiss, PLLC, Want You to Travel Safely this Winter
Winter is prime time for car accidents. Every year we see hundreds of fender benders because of ice, snow, and poor road conditions. Some of the accidents turn deadly or result in severe injuries for innocent passengers and drivers.
Because of COVID-19 safety concerns, more people have been staying close to home this year. Many have avoided airports and cancelled their plans to travel to warm, luxurious destinations.
Instead, holidays will likely be spent with immediate family or visiting friends and family who live only a few hours away. This could mean that there will be more cars than usual on the roads this winter. Consider the importance of being alert, cautious, patient, and prepared as you hit the roads during the next few months.
If you are injured in a car accident this winter, please call Levine and Wiss, PLLC, for help. Our experienced car accident lawyers can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Call 888-GOT-HURT for a free evaluation of your New York car accident case.
At Levine and Wiss, PLLC, we hope that you do not need our personal injury services any time soon. We wish you and your family safe travels this season. With your safety in mind, we offer you these tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that can help you get to and from your destinations safely.
Why Does Winter Driving in New York Require Extra Safety?
According to the NHTSA, 17% of all car accidents occur in winter weather conditions. Is it because everyone becomes a complacent driver after months of beautiful weather? Possibly. It is good to be reminded that driving in icy, snowy, cold conditions demands that you pay extra attention to your driving and your vehicle.
Get Your Car Ready to Avoid Serious Car Accidents
Year-round maintenance is essential, but make sure your car is in tip-top shape before venturing out in winter weather. Pay close attention to parts of your vehicle that are vulnerable to the cold weather and necessary in cold weather. For example, make sure your wipers work, your fluids are topped off, and your heat works. Check your battery life as well. Of course, put the snow tires on.
Before you venture out, clear your car windshield, roof, lights, sensors, and hood of ice and snow.
Remember to Drive Carefully and Avoid Car Crashes in the Snow
You must drive slowly in winter when the roads are wet and cold. You may need to keep a greater distance between you and the car in front of you to ensure you can stop safely on slick roads, especially if they are prone to black ice. Understand how your brakes handle and respond to driving and stopping on ice and snow and operate accordingly. Give yourself ample time to reach your destination.
Pack an Emergency Bag in Case of Emergency
You never know what can happen even when you are careful. Unfortunately, accidents can still occur, and cars can still break down. During a storm, help might take time to arrive. You don’t want to be stuck, unprepared, on the side of the road in an ice or snowstorm.
Pack a bag to keep in your car containing blankets, jumper cable, flashlights, batteries, flares, emergency lighting, water, and even a snack or two. These can all come in handy if you get in an accident or need to wait for assistance.
Some Miscellaneous Reminders for Driving Safety in Winter (and Always)
- Make sure everyone is securely fastened in a seatbelt, including backseat passengers over the age of 16. This is a new law in New York that became effective November 2020.
- Put children in appropriate car seats
- Avoid risky driving behaviors such as using your phone, texting, or driving after drinking alcohol or taking medication that can make you drowsy.
- Drive with extra caution around snowplows.
- Keep your gas tank full
- If you get stuck, do not run your car with the windows up for too long-you are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure to clear your tailpipe of snow before running your car, and then only do so if necessary.
Call Levine and Wiss if You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident
We hope these safety tips help you avoid a serious car accident this winter. If you or your loved ones do become injured in a car accident, please call Levine and Wiss for help filing a claim. We can help you obtain the maximum damages allowed by law and ensure you and your family are compensated for the true value of your injuries. Call us today at 888-GOT-HURT to discuss your legal options after a car accident.
