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How To Stay Safer This Winter

Posted by: at 8:41 AM on October 18th, 2018

The coming ice and snow of winter, bring with them the increased possibility of  slips, falls and auto accidents. Freezing rain, sleet, ice, packed snow, and snow covered ice create the perfect setting for many types of accidents.  When snow and ice are tracked indoors, puddles form causing slippery conditions indoors too.

Generally speaking, homeowners and business owners are responsible to keep their prop, walkways and other public areas. If ice or snow amasses on a business owner’s property and creates an unsafe condition resulting in a slip and fall accident, the property owner may be held liable for the person’s injuries. Because this area of law can be complex, the help of a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer is essential if you suffer a fall on another’s property.

Winter driving frequently means navigating snow covered roads, freezing rain, black ice and visibility “whiteouts.” When these conditions exist, try to avoid driving when possible. If you do need to travel during such weather, take the time to prepare your car for winter.   Make sure you have an emergency road kit with flares and keep a blanket in the car as well.   Here are some winter driving tips to keep in mind when you hit the road;

  • Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
  • Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
  • Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
  • Keep your lights and windshield clean.
  • Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
  • Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
  • Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
  • Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
  • Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

 If you do get into an auto accident, make sure that you have an experienced attorney on your side to protect your rights.   For more than 40 years, the attorneys here at LDM Lawhave defended the rights of clients involved in accidents.  We are by your side from beginning to end.  Call us today for a free consultation.