Avoiding Winter Driving Accidents in Connecticut on Snow and Ice

It seems like we are getting a winter storm every week to 10 days with no relief in sight. It is difficult enough driving when snow is falling but with the accumulations that we have received new fallen snow lands on snow and ice which is already present making things especially slippery. It is therefore helpful to review some winter driving tips and techniques so as to avoid serious injury and accidents while driving on our Connecticut roadways.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that the conditions on the roadways can change in an instant. You could encounter black ice, which by its very nature is almost invisible until you are right upon it, or you could drive over a portion of the roadway where there is accumulations of snow and ice making driving that much more treacherous. So one of the first important tips is to be on guard while driving and to reduce the number of distractions, including the radio, when driving in these dangerous situations. Because the roadways can become very slippery without you even knowing it, it is very important that you leave a significant amount of space between your vehicle and the vehicle driving in front of you. This will certainly cut down the chances of you being involved in an accident as you will have additional time to stop.

In addition to allowing more space between you and the car in front of you, it is also important that you slow down the rate of speed at which you were traveling and try and operate your vehicle at a constant and safe speed. If you drive at a constant, slower speed, then you will reduce the risk of your tires spinning out of control and making your driving experience that much more dangerous. If the driving is slippery you should use lower gears when operating your motor vehicle especially on hills. It is also important that you not use cruise control because it can create additional problems for you while operating your motor vehicle in slippery or dangerous driving situations.

If you have an older motor vehicle that does not have anti-lock brakes than is important that you not slam on the brakes because you will not be able to steer your motor vehicle. You need to pump your brakes so as to allow the steering wheel to be able to turn during conditions where the roads are especially slippery. You should also drive with your low beams on and not use your high beams as they will reflect off the snow and ice and make your driving visibility less clear. It is also a good idea to listen to the conditions around you so that you can hear approaching traffic, you can tell if you are traveling on snow and ice, and to hear any warnings that might be present.

This is the time of the year that we are contacted by a number of individuals who have been involved in a motor vehicle accident because of slippery road conditions. Some of these people have been hit from behind, while others have been hit from the side because of the other party making a left-hand turn when there is not enough time or room to do so and yet other people have had the other driver cross over the double yellow line and hit them head on in their lane of traffic. In addition to utilizing good driving tips and techniques is also important that you be a defensive driver to watch out from the other people that are on the roadways.

If you have been injured in a winter driving accident that has been caused by the fault of another, please visit our website at www.hcwlaw.com and download a free copy of our CT accident and injury book. You can also call our toll-free number at 888-244-5480 and speak with one of our experienced Connecticut personal injury lawyers  and accident attorneys. Above all, be safe!