Winter is the most dangerous season for motorists. According to the Federal Highway Administration, icy and snowy conditions contribute to approximately 22 percent of all accidents. When combined with negligent driving, inclement weather can be particularly hazardous.
Even the most careful drivers cannot control the actions of other road users. If you suffered an injury due to the negligent or reckless behavior of another person, then you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income and other damages.
If the crash happened in New York, then a New York City accident lawyer from Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP can evaluate your case and determine if you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Call us today at 917-730-7151 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit www.USAttorneys.com for more information about accident claims in New York.
Read on to learn five tips for improving your safety on winter roads:
- Get Enough Rest
You should never get behind the wheel if you feel tired, and fatigued driving is particularly dangerous in winter weather. The AAA reminds readers to get plenty of sleep before hitting the road.
Fatigue is a main cause of fatal accidents. Getting between six and eight hours of quality sleep improves alertness and helps drivers react quickly to unexpected hazards.
- Warm Your Car before Driving
Warming your car before driving is essential in colder climates. This will ensure that your defrost system is ready to go before you hit the road, which can improve your visibility.
However, you must be careful when warming your vehicle or you risk poisoning yourself with carbon monoxide. You should never leave an engine running in a poorly ventilated area. Only do this if there is enough airflow to remove the carbon dioxide.
- Inspect Your Tires
Tires play a crucial role in car safety. Drivers should inspect their tires when winter starts to ensure that there is enough traction to control the vehicle.
Even if snow is uncommon where you live, tires with inadequate tread can still cause your car to skid. Replace tires that have inadequate or slick tread before driving in wintry conditions.
All-season tires are ideal for areas that receive mild snowfall, but if you live in a region that experiences heavy snowfall, then you may need to fit chains or snow tires to your car’s wheels. If you plan to drive long distances, then check the weather conditions on your route and invest in appropriate tires to get you there safely.
- Watch Your Gas
Few people know the value of keeping their gas tanks at least half full in winter. Not only will this approach prevent you from running out of gas in dangerous areas, but it will also prevent the gas line from freezing in cold temperatures.
- Avoid Using Cruise Control
Cruise control offers many advantages to motorists, but if the weather is particularly bad and the roads are slippery, then using cruise control may be dangerous. Drivers who do not use cruise control tend to be less complacent and therefore have better reaction time to sudden road hazards.
Wintery weather is a main contributor to serious accidents, and negligent drivers often attempt to blame the collisions they cause on poor road conditions. If you were injured by a reckless motorist, and he or she is denying liability, then you should contact a personal-injury attorney as soon as possible.
If the wreck happened in New York, then contact a New York City personal-injury attorney from
Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP. Call 917-730-7151 to schedule a free initial consultation.