Everyone wishes for the beauty of a “white Christmas.” That might be the only day of the year when snow is welcomed. Beyond that special day, snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain are the winter weather conditions that create incredibly hazardous driving conditions. This is when an icy road can lead to one car slamming into another.
You might assume you can’t be held liable for any damages if you collide with a car on an icy road. Actually, you can. Unless the winter road conditions were unexpected, you could be held responsible for any damages. That’s because a reasonable driver would know if it is snowing and icy, they should take extra precautions to avoid getting into trouble. An experienced Louisville car accident lawyer can help you hold that other driver accountable.
Adopting the following winter driving tips for your next trip on snowy or icy roads will also help.
Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly
Your attitude on an icy road should be to “slow down.” Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best technique for gaining traction and avoiding skids.
Also, remember that it takes longer to slow down on icy roads. You want to give yourself plenty of time to come to a complete stop at intersections.
Increase Your Braking Distance
When driving on a clear highway at the maximum speed limit, you might need a braking distance that is equal to a football field to come to a complete stop. It could take twice as much distance on an icy road to make that stop.
If you’re already driving as slow as you should, creating a greater braking distance between you and the car ahead of you won’t be a problem.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Keeping your tires properly inflated helps improve your gas mileage. It also helps with your traction on snowy roads.
Be Mindful of Hills
Applying extra gas on slick roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill, and let that inertia carry you to the top.
Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
Pay attention to the weather forecast and be prepared. If you have to be out in icy or snowy conditions, be sure your phone is fully charged, you’re dressed warmly, and you have extra clothes or blankets in your vehicle.
Of course, use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
What Happens If You Get Stuck in the Snow?
As you slowly reach your winter destination, you might not be aware of the road conditions ahead. That could leave you stranded on the road.
Do you know what to do if you get stuck in the snow?
The first thing to remember is that before you head out on your trip, be sure to let someone know where you’re going and how you plan on getting there.
After that, you can apply these tips:
Stay With Your Car
The best shelter from a winter storm is inside your car. If you’ve managed to call for help, you want to stay in your car and wait for the rescuers. You don’t want to try walking in deep snow along a road or highway.
Stay Visible
You want to stay visible while stuck in the snow. You can tie a bright-colored cloth to your antenna or hang it from the top of a rolled-up window. At night, you can keep your interior dome lights on. They don’t use up a lot of energy but can be seen from a distance on a dark road.
Clear Your Exhaust Pipe
If you’re driving with the engine running, you want to make sure that your exhaust is not clogged or blocked with snow, ice, or mud. This will prevent harmful carbon monoxide from leaking into the car.
Conserve Fuel
If you are running your car until help arrives, you should only keep it going to keep the chill off.
Ideally, you should conserve your fuel.
Prepare for Emergency
In the winter, you should keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a blanket, water, power bars, road reflectors, and a flashlight.
Above all else, if you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you’re confident in your driving abilities, not everyone else is as proficient.
If you are one of the unlucky drivers who fell victim to a collision with another car on icy roads, you should reach out to check McCoy & Hiestand, PLC. We’re a Louisville car accident attorney with decades of experience to every claim.
You can feel bad that the other driver got caught on icy roads, but you don’t have to excuse them from paying your damage bills.
