It can be more dangerous to drive during the winter months, but there are ways to prepare for the most common winter driving hazards and find ways to stay safer on the road. Unfortunately, even if you do everything right, someone else might not drive so carefully. If you get into an accident and believe that someone else is to blame, you may be owed compensation. A Monmouth County car accident lawyer from our firm can help you fight for it.
Which Winter Driving Hazards Should NJ Drivers Watch Out For?
Some common dangers in the winter months include:
Snow and ice: Winter weather can make the road a bit more slippery, and that can turn close calls into collisions.
Reduced visibility: Snowstorms can block your vision, the days get darker earlier, and sunlight reflected off of a snowbank can be blinding. Any of these visibility issues can result in an accident.
Dead batteries: The battery in your vehicle gives it the power needed to start up. A drained and dead battery means a stranded vehicle, at least until someone can give you a tow or a jump. Cold weather can be especially tough for a battery to handle, so this issue is more likely during the winter months.
Road salt: Okay, this isn’t exactly dangerous, but this winter driving hazard definitely shouldn’t be ignored! You don’t want it accumulating on your vehicle, so make sure to clean your car a few times this season.
How Can I Stay Safer Despite Winter Driving Hazards?
When you know what kinds of winter driving hazards you might be dealing with, you can prepare for them. Some of our safe driving recommendations for the season include:
- Keeping more distance from the cars in front of you
- Having a mechanic check out important parts like the tires, battery, and lights before you take a long trip
- Packing an emergency kit with clothes, flashlights, food, blankets, and anything else you might need when stranded
- Avoiding speeding and distracted driving
What Happens if Winter Driving Hazards Cause a Crash?
Unfortunately, you can do everything right and these winter driving hazards can still end up contributing to an accident because someone else was negligent. Another driver can try to blame something like ice or a snowstorm for their error, but if they made a mistake and you were injured they need to be held accountable. You can’t sue the ice on the road, but you can sue a driver who drove 20 miles above the speed limit and neglected to take any precautions.
Ask About Our Free Case Consultations
So if you have been injured in an accident, don’t let someone blame the snow and ice. Contact Falcon Law Firm and schedule a free case consultation with our team. We’ll get right to work helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.
