Winter weather can create a slew of challenges for drivers and the risk of accidents tends to increase as temperatures drop. Continue reading and speak with a Pike County, KY auto accident lawyer to discover the most common winter driving hazards and how you can avoid them.
What Driving Hazards Are Most Common in the Winter?
Although accidents can happen for a variety of reasons regardless of the time of the year, below are some of the most common hazards for drivers in the wintertime.
- Snow and ice: One of the most obvious hazards is the accumulation of snow and ice on the roads. Roads become slippery and black ice can be nearly invisible, causing unforseen danger. Tires can lose traction and cars generally need longer distances to come to a stop.
- Reduced visibility: Snow, sleet, and fog often result in reduced visibility in the colder months. These issues can obscure oncoming traffic, road signs, lane markings, and other obstacles, making it hard to see and react to potential dangers.
- Snow plows: While snow plows benefit drivers by clearing the roads, they can create hazards due to their slow speed and tendency to stop or change direction suddenly. They also generally create a wall of snow as they drive, blocking parked cars or further obscuring visibility.
- Cold temperatures: The low temperatures can affect the car’s battery and performance. Cars are more likely to stall in the winter and tires tend to lose pressure as temperatures drop.
- Traffic: The winter months are filled with various holidays celebrating all kinds of events and religions. This leads to increased traffic and a higher likelihood of accidents, especially in inclement weather.
- Carbon monoxide: Letting your car warm up before driving can be beneficial to your comfort and the car’s function, but it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if the vehicle is left running in an enclosed area or if snow or ice are preventing the exhaust system from operating properly.
How Can I Avoid Winter Car Accidents?
The best way to avoid car accidents in the winter is to be informed of the potential hazards and prepare appropriately. Keep an emergency kit in your car in case of stalling. Include blankets, road flares, snacks, water, and jumper cables.
Leave your house with ample time to get to your destination to reduce the temptation to speed. Driving fast when there could be snow or ice on the road is never a good idea and you should travel at a speed below the maximum limit in inclement weather.
When approaching a stop sign or red light begin braking earlier than you think you need to. If the car slides on ice or snow you will have time to stop without colliding with another vehicle or accidentally going into the intersection.
Driving in the winter can present different challenges than in milder seasons. Understanding the potential dangers on the road can help ensure you are prepared for an emergency and avoid unnecessary collisions.
