More Information About The Driving Season In The Winter

Accidents can happen on roads and highways, regardless of time of the year or conditions of road. The winter months, however, conditions that favor the increase in accidents and serious injuries. According to a study by the University of California at Berkeley, adverse weather conditions resulted in 7,000 deaths, 800,000 injured and more than 1.5 million car accidents across the country each year.

The report, quoted in Forbes magazine, also found that the most dangerous day of the year is driving the day after the first snowstorm of the season. Meanwhile, people are not prepared for winter driving conditions and not to adopt safer driving habits rather than later in the season.

Steps to Protect Yourself:

Although it may be dangerous in winter driving, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances that you will be involved in an accident. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV NYS) recommends that motorists prepare their vehicles before the season approaches and ensure that their vehicle is ready for winter weather and hazardous conditions, both inside and outside.

Speed is a contributory factor in road accidents many. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a pilot is running “too fast for conditions” was a factor in 8.4 percent of all accidents. With slippery roads, snow and ice to motorists to be alert to road conditions and adjust their speed accordingly.

Drivers are also advised to drive defensively and expect other problems with vehicles in slippery conditions.
The tires are one of the most important but often overlooked from the vehicle. The New York State DMV recommends that drivers mounted snow tires, preferably, or all the tires of their vehicles during the winter months.

It is also essential that the tires are properly inflated and have the proper amount of tread. The winter months offer fewer hours of daylight and the weather can often reduce visibility. It is important to ensure that the windshield wipers, headlights and brake lights are in good working condition.

But perhaps the best thing to do, according to the New York State DMV, is to pay attention to the weather. If they are too ill, or is likely to worsen, avoid driving until conditions improve. What precautions to take this winter, accidents happen. If you have been injured in a kind of accident, it is important to discuss your options with an attorney experienced in personal injury.