Driving in Winter Weather

Snowy winter weather causes as many as 1.5 million car accidents each year in the United States alone. Though most are due to overwhelming weather conditions or a lack of precaution on behalf of a driver, it’s an unfortunate truth that innocent lives are caught in the middle regardless and drivers should do all they can each winter to make the roads safer for us all.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, about 24% of car accidents each year in the United States are due to winter weather; about 220,000 were primarily due to snow/sleet, ~190,000 to icy roads and ~170,000 to slushy roads. In preparation for the coming winter, here are a few common tips to endure such conditions and avoid accidents of any kind.
– Always give yourself plenty of distance to brake. Snowy/icy roads offer far less traction than dry pavement and only a slight excess of speed may be enough to potentially lock a car’s brakes.
– Make sure the tires on your vehicle are suitable for, if not designed specifically for, winter weather. Studded snow tires and general winter tires are ideal and offer above-average traction on icy roads. If all-weather tires will be used, drivers should ensure that their tread is sufficient before the harsh weather comes.
– When possible, avoid driving in limited visibility. Drivers should only be out in a snowstorm-in-progress in the most demanding of circumstances, as it is perhaps the most dangerous time of the season to be on the road.
– Finally – and most importantly, due to the weather – any and all distractions should be put away while driving. We’re all aware of the dangers of distracted driving, particularly due to mobile devices, and winter weather can do nothing but worsen these risks. Drivers should always be focused on the road and limit all distractions to the best of their abilities.

If you’ve been injured in a snow-related accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.