Winter can be a beautiful time of the year, with snowy weather and festive holiday lights. Along with the physical changes that inspire breathtaking scenery, winter creates conditions that can make driving dangerous. Winter weather causes dangerous road conditions and obstacles for drivers that could present problems if not carefully considered.
Car accidents happen in winter the same as any other season of the year, and although some of the causes of those accidents are familiar to other seasons, some are unique to winter alone. That is why it is important to know the dangerous driving conditions that winter can bring and how to avoid them.
Winter brings an early sunrise and sunset. Many drivers suffering from night blindness normally avoid driving at night, but having to drive home from work in the dark puts them at risk. Night blindness is the inability of the eyes to adapt to the dark. As a result, a person has trouble distinguishing detail, such as road signs and pedestrians. Sun glare is also a problem for drivers in the winter. It can cause temporary blindness that can cause a serious accident.
Overnight freezing, ice, and snow can be extremely hazardous for drivers as well. Black ice can form and cause a car to temporarily lose control. You should closely watch the weather report during the winter months. If conditions are dangerous, do not drive.
Drive slowly in winter weather. If it is snowy and icy, this means you will be driving below the posted speed limit. Increase your following distance in winter conditions. Usually, your following distance should be two to three seconds between your car and the vehicle ahead of you. In the winter, you should increase the time to six seconds or more, depending on the road conditions.
Do not brake suddenly when the roads are slushy, icy, or snowy, as this will cause your car to slide and skid. If your vehicle does start to lose control, gradually let off the accelerator.
It is also important to inspect your car. Make sure you have good tread on your tires, and frequently check your tire pressure. Make sure your brakes are in good condition, and check your fluids often. Keep your headlights, front and back windshields, and side windows clean. Also, make sure you have good windshield wipers.
Limit the use of high beams. High beams can cause a danger to other drivers, and they can reflect off snow and ice, causing poor visibility. Also, be sure not to stare directly at oncoming headlights, and keep your interior lights dim.
Overall, driving conditions are poor in winter for many reasons. Thus, give yourself extra time to drive to and from work, drive slowly, and always focus on the road.
If you have been seriously injured in a winter collision because of a negligent driver, you might need legal representation. One of our experienced Washington DC car wreck lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can help. Call us at 202-331-1963 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia, and National Harbor, Maryland, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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