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Safe Winter Weather Driving

Safe Winter Weather Driving

Charlotte NC Auto Accident Lawyer 

The cold winter season doesn’t just bring down the temperature, it brings snow, rain, and ice. Drivers on the road need to be extra cautious during these times to avoid auto accidents. By being vigilant and aware of the road conditions, reducing your speed, and maintaining a safe distance when following other vehicles, you can reduce the chances that you will be involved in a winter auto accident.

At times in the colder months accidents can be inevitable due to road conditions outside of your control. Oftentimes when these winter accidents occur, it can be nearly impossible to determine which of the drivers is actually liable.

Rain Can be a Much Bigger Issue

Rain may not be frozen like snow or ice, but that does not mean we should throw caution to the wind. Rain by itself can cause extremely slick roads and cause situations such as hydroplaning.   The rule of thumb for driving on rain slick roads is to slowing down ten miles per hour below the posted speed limit and heightening awareness of the highway conditions.

Hydroplaning can occur at both slower speeds as well as higher speeds. In many ways, rain soaked roads are more dangerous than snow covered roads because the driver takes for the granted the ability to navigate at a speed that is consistent with driving in clear conditions.

Snow and Ice Driving 

Snow can be very hazardous when driving and requires you to be cautious and slow while on the roads. Snow creates slick conditions on a much larger scale, but not near as slick as driving on ice. When driving in snow it is necessary to pay much closer attention and remember that the brake is not an immediate tool as it is when driving in good weather. Stops should be approached gradually and quick stops should be avoided as much as possible. Slower speeds help to maintain travel in these conditions and are essential to avoid an accident.

Black ice causes more accidents than actual ice. Black ice occurs when a roadway is lightly covered with precipitation and the temperatures are in the 20 degree range. Ice on soaked roadways makes the average driver aware of the hazardous conditions, but black ice is much more subtle. Just because precipitation does not appear to be very significant does not mean that the highway is not slick.

Use your good judgment by traveling at a safe speed and paying attention to road conditions at all times. Realize that defensive driving does not just mean being aware of other vehicles that are experiencing difficulties, it means monitoring the highway conditions as well.

Contact the Automobile Accident Law Firm of Bice Law

At Bice Law we can help you determine who we believe to be at fault in the accident. We will look to a number of sources to help you determine liability including but not limited to statements made at the scene by witnesses and parties, the investigating officer’s accident report, and depending on the case, possibly accident reconstruction experts, and highway design or maintenance experts.We serve families across both North and South Carolina. If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, take the first step to protect your legal rights – contact the personal injury firm of Bice Law today by calling 877-BICE-877 or submit an online request to get a free consultation with a car accident attorney.  Results are how we measure success – we’ve built a strong reputation both in and out of the courtroom, and we’ll put our experience and expertise to work on your behalf.

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