With the winter season upon us, we are reminded of the unique challenges that face drivers in the Northeast. Unfortunately, many drivers either forget or ignore the effects of snow and ice on roads. Their failure to adapt to winter driving conditions can lead to rear-end collisions, “spin outs,” or skidding into other lanes or off the road. This January 3, 2015 video from Albany’s WTEN news station clearly illustrates what happens when drivers forget or ignore winter driving tips.
Even in perfect conditions and dry roads, a typical car traveling at 65 mph requires nearly 350 feet of stopping distance, which is longer than the length of a football field. However, that stopping distance is significantly impacted by slippery road conditions.
When calculating stopping distance, one considers the “coefficient of friction” between tires and the road. Factors such as icy roads and “bald” tires can dramatically increase drivers’ ability to stop. Other factors such as low visibility and distraction affect drivers’ reaction time, and will also increase stopping time.
Common Winter Driving Hazards
While bad driving conditions are often inevitable during winters here in the northeast, being prepared for and knowledgable about the hazards you can expect to encounter can benefit you immensely. Here are a few dangerous winter driving hazards you should be aware of.
Black Ice
Black ice is a thin, slippery and clear coating of ice that can often be found on the surface of roadways during the winter. Because the ice is so difficult to detect, it can wreak havoc on drivers. When temperatures are hovering around freezing, be aware that black ice could be forming and adjust your driving accordingly. You may be forced to react quickly if your vehicle loses traction unexpectedly.
Snow Blowing from Roofs
Many people forget or neglect to clear the snow off of their car roofs and hoods, which can cause reduced visibility for them and hazardous driving conditions for others. Snow blowing off of cars can cause distraction and may even cause damage to your vehicle as it flies through the air at a high rate of speed. As a result, keep an eye out for snow-covered cars on the roadways and drive with extra caution as you approach them.
Reduced Visibility
Snow can cause reduced visibility in a variety of ways. Whiteout conditions during snowstorms can make it nearly impossible to see ahead of or behind you. Intense glare can occur when sun reflects off of the snow, which can cause reduced visibility for drivers as well. Additionally, tall snowbanks can result in blind spots and reduced visibility at intersections, which can put drivers at risk. Be aware and on the lookout for these hazards so you can react accordingly.
Negligent Drivers
Unfortunately, many drivers do not take winter weather hazards seriously, which, in turn, makes them hazards themselves. Do not assume that every driver is driving as cautiously as you are. Give other people on the roadway extra space and keep an eye out for drivers who are driving too fast for conditions, with snow covering their vehicle, etc. Steering clear of negligent drivers can help to keep you and your passengers safe.
Frozen Bridges and Overpasses
Remember: bridges and overpasses tend to freeze over sooner than roads do. When you’re driving and temperatures are hovering around freezing, try to be extra aware of the surfaces you’re driving on. You could lose traction unexpectedly.
Snow Drifts
Blowing snow can create unexpected hazards as well. Even after roads have been plowed, snow can blow onto the roadway, causing unexpected obstacles for drivers. Slowing down will give you more time to react should an unexpected snow drift appear ahead of you.
Winter Driving Tips to Help Prevent Accidents
There are numerous common-sense winter driving tips that, when implemented, can help to prevent car accidents that could be caused by the winter driving hazards listed above.
Drive Only As Fast As Conditions Permit
If visibility is poor, and if roads have not yet been plowed or treated, slow down. Whatever your destination, it is better to arrive late than to be involved in an accident. Use your discretion and drive using extra caution when roads conditions are questionable.
Check the Forecast
Always be aware of weather forecasts, and plan your schedule and your route accordingly. If weather conditions look questionable and you can alter your plan to travel during a safer time, do so. Do not put yourself at risk unnecessarily by traveling when bad weather is expected.
Complete a Vehicle Check-Up
We suggest a thorough vehicle “check-up” before winter approaches. Be sure that tires are fully inflated and have good tread, that brakes are functioning properly, and that windshield wipers are clean and durable.
Clear Snow and Ice From Your Vehicle
Snow blowing from roofs of vehicles can present significant hazards to other vehicles. As a result, before leaving your point of origin, always clear snow and ice from the roof or bed of your vehicle so you don’t put yourself or other drivers on the roadways at risk.
You can find additional winter driving safety tips here. We highly recommend reviewing these tips before you travel each winter.
Protect Yourself and Others This Winter. Drive Responsibly!
Safe driving practices, and awareness of winter conditions, can help protect you, your passengers, and other drivers. Unfortunately, other careless and reckless drivers fail to appreciate these hazards.
If you have been injured due to the negligence of another driver in the face of winter driving hazards, please call the car accident attorneys at Maynard, O’Connor, Smith & Catalinotto for assistance at (800) 721-3553, or contact us online to setup a free consultation. With decades of experience handling all kinds of car accident cases, our team is well equipped to assist you following a winter car accident.
With offices conveniently located in Albany, Saugerties, and Johnstown, our attorneys are in your community, are familiar with your road and conditions, and are available to help you. We’ll help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today!
Editor’s note: This content was originally published in 2015 but has been updated as of January 2019.
