Preventing Car Accidents During February’s Unpredictable Weather
While sleet, ice, and snow are uncommon in Texas, they’re not unheard of, particularly in the doldrums of February. Unfortunately, because drivers in the Lone Star State typically don’t have a lot of experience navigating icy or snowy roads, the risk of accident and injury increases dramatically when there’s a freak winter storm.
If you’ve been hurt in a motor vehicle accident during one of those surprise winter weather events, you want an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to help you get full and fair compensation for your losses. But what can you do to minimize the risk of such an accident? What steps can you take to reduce the likelihood of injury during unpredictable weather in February?
Common Strategies for Minimizing the Risk of Injury in Winter Weather
First, it’s important to understand that, simply because your car has four-wheel drive, you can’t ignore ice or snow on the road. Four-wheel drive may improve your traction, but you still need to know how to drive on snow or ice, and you still need to adjust your driving habits. Far too often, winter weather accidents are caused by people with four-wheel drive who refuse to change the way they drive.
Before Getting on the Road
If you know a winter storm is coming and you don’t absolutely need to drive, then don’t! It doesn’t matter if you’ve lived in snowy climates before and know how to drive in winter weather—most of the other people on the road won’t have your experience. Your biggest risk will be from them.
If you have to drive, make certain your vehicle is completely free of snow and ice before you pull out of the driveway. That includes not only your windshield and windows but the hood and roof of the car as well. Snow on the hood will blow onto your windshield, limiting your vision. Snow on the roof is a potential hazard to drivers behind you should it blow off.
In addition, set your car’s interior heating system to defrost, and let the car run for a few minutes before you take off. Don’t do this in a closed garage, though, as you’ll generate carbon monoxide. If your car is parked in the garage, back it out and let the defrost run for 5-10 minutes. You should then be able to clean off all windows with ease. If you don’t have a scraper for the windows, try a putty knife or a broom.
On the Road
It’s a bit of a delicate balance when driving on wintery roads. You need to slow down a bit, as you won’t have the grip and traction you normally expect; however, if you drive too slowly, you can increase the risk that someone might slide into you from behind.
One of the best ways to minimize the risk of injury is to increase distances:
- Add another car length or two between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
- Start braking a couple of car lengths earlier than you would at an intersection.
- Slow down before you get into a turn, letting the momentum of your vehicle take you around the corner.
It’s also helpful to turn your vehicle lights on whenever you travel in inclement winter weather in Texas. That increases your visibility to other motorists, who can respond in a more timely manner.
Contact the Experienced Winter Weather Car Accident Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we have fought for the rights of injured people in Texas for more than four decades, including people hurt in accidents in Texas winter weather. In our 40+ years in practice, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for personal injury clients. We know how to effectively investigate and litigate a personal injury claim to maximize your recovery. contact us by e-mail or call our offices. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
