Winter is Coming…

Well, Cleveland, we should all be happy that the snow held off for as long as it did this year.  Like always, though, Old Man Winter looks to have found us well before December 21.  While we cannot control what the wild Ohio weather will bring this season, we can take precautions to keep ourselves protected on the road.

It is no secret that this is the worst time of year for traffic accidents.  According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, in 2013, November and December were by far the most dangerous months for motorists, with 26,471 crashes and 26,617 accidents respectively.  The good news is that traffic fatalities are not at their peak during this time of year, as an overall slower flow of traffic leads to fewer high-speed (and more likely fatal) crashes.  However, any motor vehicle accident has the potential to cause serious personal injury and death, and merely driving more slowly in inclement weather is not enough to ensure one’s safety on the road.

In addition to the standard advice to drive slower and allow a greater following distance in snowy conditions, there are a few other things to remember:

• Clear all windows, lights, and surfaces (hood, roof) of snow before driving.  Also, give yourself extra time to clear away any window fog that might obstruct your view of the road.
• Whether day or night, always drive with your lights on when it is snowing; make yourself as visible as possible.
• Update your tires and keep them properly inflated.  Despite a common myth, under-inflated tires will not add traction.
• Use of seatbelts is a safety must under any conditions.

Finally, your safety does not end when your ride ends.  After a long ride, your boots or shoes may have been warmed by your vehicle’s heater.  Warm (or hot) boots can make stepping on snow or ice even more slippery, so take special care when leaving your vehicle.

Unfortunately, even if you take all necessary precautions for winter driving conditions, not everyone will.  If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident, please call the experienced Ohio auto accident attorneys at Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA for a free telephone consultation.