Driving in the winter can be dangerous due to a variety of factors.
Car accidents in Washington State often occur during winter due to hazardous driving conditions, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. That’s why it’s important for drivers to know how to safely navigate roads and highways during the winter months.
Winter driving can be hazardous due to reduced visibility, slippery roads, decreased tire traction, and the potential for black ice. In addition, longer stopping distances are required due to slick road surfaces, and it is more difficult to control a vehicle or see other drivers and pedestrians.
Recently, the Washington Department of Transportation put together a list of winter driving tips designed to help motorists safely get to their destination and not be involved in a serious motor vehicle accident.
At The Scott Law Firm, PLLC, we know all too well just how serious and devastating car accidents can be for injury victims in the winter or any time of year. If you or a loved one were injured in a crash, contact us today to review your potential legal options.
Why do car accidents occur in winter?
To understand how to prevent winter-related car crashes in Washington, it’s important first to understand why such accidents happen in the first place. In many cases, such collisions occur due to reckless or negligent drivers. Examples include:
- Aggressive drivers who don’t leave enough room between vehicles, resulting in a rear-end accident, especially when roads are covered with snow or ice.
- Speeding drivers who drive too fast during hazardous winter weather.
- Inexperienced drivers, especially younger drivers who don’t know how to drive during potentially dangerous winter snowstorms safely.
- Drivers with unsafe vehicles, including vehicles with bald tires or brakes that don’t work properly on snow or ice.
Safety tips for avoiding a winter car accident
There are many different steps drivers can take during the winter to avoid a car accident in Washington. According to the state Department of Transportation, such safety steps include:
- Before driving, check the latest weather forecast. If hazardous winter weather is predicted, consider postponing your trip until it’s safe to drive.
- Make sure your vehicle’s tires have good tread.
- Consider getting snow tires or tire chains, especially if you regularly drive in areas that often experience extreme winter weather.
- If the roads are covered with snow or ice, slow down, allow extra time to reach your destination, and increase your following distance.
- Do not use cruise control when driving during hazardous winter weather.
- Four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles can be just as difficult to steer or stop on ice and snow.
- If you’re driving behind a snowplow, leave extra room between vehicles.
- When approaching an intersection, gently apply your brakes and gradually slow down.
How can a Vancouver, WA, car accident attorney help?
Car accidents caused by other drivers during hazardous winter conditions in Washington can quickly become complicated legal cases. This is often because the at-fault driver denies doing anything wrong. Instead, they may blame the weather and claim they didn’t do anything wrong.
But the reality is you should be financially compensated if another driver clearly caused your collision. This why it’s important to talk to an attorney who knows the law and understands how the legal system works in Washington State.
Attorney Colin Scott can help you every step of the way. He has years of experience helping injury victims demand the money they deserve and can help you build a strong legal case. In addition, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless we win your case.
Learn more about how The Scott Law Firm, PLLC, can help you. Contact us and schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer you can count on in a crisis. Schedule an appointment at our Vancouver, Washington office today. We handle legal cases statewide.