Poor Visibility
Driving in a snowstorm is no easy task. High winds, big snowflakes, and blowing snow all make it difficult to see. In the worst snowstorms, visibility on the highway can be as little as 3ft. When conditions are not safe for driving, local and national weather services will issue warnings to drivers. To stay safe and prevent accidents, it is in your best interest to stay home whenever a blizzard warning is issued or little to no travel is advised.
Snow and Ice Covered Roads
Not only do snow and ice cause poor visibility, but they also make it very difficult to drive properly. When snowplows and other maintenance vehicles are unable to completely clear the roadways, slowing down, stopping, and turning are all challenging. Therefore, rear-end collisions, cars missing stop signs, and cars going off the road are common occurrences in the winter. If you must drive when conditions are poor, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go and put space between you and other vehicles.
Improper Tire Maintenance
Taking care of your vehicle in the winter is of the utmost importance. One of the most beneficial maintenance tasks to prevent accidents is making sure your tires are in working condition. During the winter, tires should have at least 6/32” of tread to safely handle snow and ice. Furthermore, if you live in an area where the roads are not plowed quickly or there is a lot of drifting, snow tires are a smart option.
Distracted Driving
Throughout the country, distracted driving is an issue all year round. In the winter, however, it becomes even more prevalent when more attention is required to drive. Looking away from the road for as little as two seconds to read a text message is enough to cause a deadly accident. This winter, put your phone away and focus on the road to ensure everyone makes it home for the holidays.
Completely Clean Your Car To Avoid Accidents & Tickets
No matter what steps you take to deice your vehicle, the most important thing is that you get it completely cleared of all ice and snow. This means there should be no ice remaining on your windshield, car windows, or mirrors. Likewise, there should be no snow on the hood, roof, or sides of your vehicle. It is also essential to check the area around your tires for ice and snow and clear any away before driving.
Since 2002, New Hampshire drivers are legally required to clear snow and ice off their cars before getting on the road. Driver’s who violate the law face fines of $250 to $500 for a first offense and $500 to $1,000 for subsequent offenses.
Contact The Trusted Attorneys At Patch & FitzGerald
If you or someone you know is injured in a car accident, the legal team at Patch & FitzGerald is here to fight for you.
At Patch & FitzGerald, we care about all of our clients and want to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible after an accident. We specialize in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Our team can help you win the settlement you deserve. To schedule your free case evaluation call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today.