Winter is officially here, and this means that there is the potential for dangerous and hazardous road conditions. According to the Federal Highway Administration, over seventy percent (70%) of the nation’s roads are located in snowy regions, which receive more than five inches of average snowfall annually. Moreover, nearly seventy percent (70%) of the population in the United States live in these snowy regions.
Snow, along with sleet and ice, increase the risk of crashes. Snow, sleet, and ice on the ground decrease maneuverability and the ability to slow down. Heavy snow and sleet reduce visibility. According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, wintery conditions accounted for 440 fatalities and approximately 33,000 crashes involving injuries to motor vehicle occupants. Overall, there were an estimated 182,00 crashes that took place in a wintery mix. The key to driving in slick wintery conditions is to be prepared. The experienced auto, truck, and motorcycle injury attorneys at Liever, Hyman & Potter, P.C., want to help by sharing important tips about driving in winter weather conditions from the NHTSA.
The following list of safety recommendations for winter weather driving is provided by the NHSTA:
1. First and foremost, slow down and increase your distance from the vehicle in front of you. It is much more difficult to come to a controlled stop when the road is partially or fully covered with snow and/or ice.
2. Make sure that your tires are properly inflated.
3. Have your battery and charging system checked along with belts and hoses before the cold weather sets in.
4. Make sure that your floor mats are properly installed.
5. Check the condition of your lights and windshield wipers and make sure that you have sufficient coolant in your vehicle.
6. Keep your gas tank near full.
7. Keep an emergency kit in your car, including a shovel, jumper cables, cell phone charger, blankets, ice scraper, flashlight, and some food and water and necessary medicine.
8. Plan your route, check the weather and let a friend or family member know where you are going.
9. As always, check for recalls, obey speed limits, do not drive impaired, and do not text or drive distracted.
The motor vehicle injury lawyers at Liever, Hyman & Potter, P.C., are concerned for the safety of the motoring public throughout the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and serve motor vehicle accident victims and their families in Reading, Berks County, and Pottsville, Schuylkill County. The personal injury lawyers at the firm handle cases in courts throughout Central and Eastern PA, including Philadelphia. The firm also handles medical malpractice, workers comp, and nursing home neglect cases in Reading and Pottsville and throughout the entire state. To schedule a consultation, call us at 610-370-6682, or complete a contact form available on our website.