Tips for Driving in Winter Weather

 Posted on February 25, 2013 in Uncategorized

Every winter, as the snow falls and roads get slick, there are numerous car accidents. In many cases, these accidents are unpredictable, and probably unavoidable as they are caused by unseen patches of slush or ice. It takes time for the fleet of plows to get out and clear the roads, and everyone needs to use caution. If you or a family member have been injured a s a result of another driver's negligence, speak to a Denver car accident attorney right away. Here are some helpful tips for driving in winter weather:

• Avoid Unnecessary Trips. As traffic slows down and lanes some lanes of multilane roads may be impassable, the ability of the system to handle traffic decreases significantly. It is a good idea to just stay in whenever possible during bad weather. Certainly the surest way to stay out of an accident on an icy road is to stay off the icy roads. In addition, by lowering the number of cars using the roads, which have a decreased ability to handle traffic, the cars that are on the road are safer. Finally, many winter accident stem from a car sliding off the road. If, when this inevitably happens, there are few other cars around, there is much less chance of a minor accident becoming a major one.
• Slow Down. It is important to remember that, regardless of speed limit, there is a law in Colorado that requires drivers to slow down to a reasonable and prudent speed if road conditions require it. While there may be plenty of room for debate about what is reasonable and prudent, the important thing is to be aware that slush and ice that you can't see is more likely to cause an accident at higher speeds. In addition to this, if an unexpected hazard appears in the road, you need to be able to stop for it just as you would in good weather. With higher stopping distances caused by slick roads, this means that you need to driver more slowly.
• Pay Attention to Everything. Frankly, this is something that drivers should always do, but becomes especially important with poor road conditions. Be aware that, not only might you hit a patch of ice and slide off the road, but the car driving alongside you might hit a patch of ice and slide into your car. If possible, giver other vehicles a wider berth than you normally would, and be vigilant not only of the road in front of you, but of the other drivers around you. You can't control the actions of the other drivers with whom you share the road.

Further Reading: Common Motorcycle Accidents and How to Avoid Them

Injured by a Negligent Driver? Contact Our Attorneys Today

Call the dedicated Denver car accident attorneys at The Gold Law Firm today if you have been seriously injured by the negligent actions of another driver. No matter how cautious you are and how safely you drive, the fact is that you can't control the other drivers on the road. And unfortunately, some people do driver with no regard for those around them, and this can cause very serious problems. Car accidents, in addition to being one of the leading causes of accidental death, are also a common cause of very serious brain and spinal injuries. Denver car accident attorney Greg Gold has helped numerous people who have been injured in accident to recover compensation for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages caused by the carelessness of other people. For more information and a FREE CONSULTATION, contact The Gold Law Firm today at 303-694-4653.