Icy roads are responsible for 190,100 accidents every year, injuring 62,700 people and killing 680. When a sheet of ice forms over the roads’ surface, causing poor tire traction and drivers losing control of their cars. The result is usually a spinout on the icy road and a car accident. When the weather is bad, it is important to understand these dangers so you can protect yourself and your loved ones from harm.
Newer cars are equipped with an anti-lock brake system (ABS), and some even boast all-wheel drive (AWD). While these important safety features can help you avoid dangerous spinouts in icy wintery weather, they will not solve all of the problems. There are numerous cars on Seattle’s roads that are not equipped for handling ice and snow, and even more drivers who do not understand how to drive safely in the snow. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is a factor in over 44% of fatal ice road accidents.
Before you decide to head out on icy Seattle roads, consider these helpful tips:
- Traction is Key: Make sure your tires have enough traction on them to grip the road surface. The slicker your tires, the less control you will have over your car. You should have tires with 6/32-inch deep thread for gripping snow and ice more effectively.
- Change Wiper Blades: In order to avoid dangerous icy accidents, it is best to change your wiper blades and be sure you have enough anti-icing fluid. Ice on windshields can obstruct visibility, making it difficult to avoid accidents.
- Check Your Lights: You need to be sure other drivers can see you on the roads, especially in snowy or icy conditions. Be sure all of your lights are working properly before venturing out.
- Avoid Over-steering: If your car does start to skid or spin, avoid turning the wheel more. Avoid over-correcting though and use your ABS system to help you maintain control.
Remember, if you do not have to drive on icy roads—don’t. It is best to stay inside until the road crews have cleaned the streets and salted them well. Also, just because you know how to drive in icy and snowy conditions, does not mean the rest of Seattle does. Accidents happen even to careful drivers who take all the necessary precautions.
Contact Seattle Car Accident Lawsuit Attorneys
If another driver injures you or someone you love, an experienced car accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. We believe that negligent drivers should be held accountable for their actions—and that you shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. Call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our personal injury attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.
The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington.
Do you think you drive safely in snowy or icy weather? If you answered yes, then you are among the majority, according to a recent poll from PEMCO insurance. 4 out of 5 Northwest drivers believed that they were just as skilled or more skilled at driving safely in the snow than their fellow drivers. Even more shocking—only 37% of Washington drivers actually took basic safety precautions, such as carrying chains in their cars and over 53% didn’t even know how to install tire chains. This misguided self-confidence can be dangerous on the roads.