Roadways are more dangerous during the winter, and drivers do not always exercise a reasonable amount of care. Whether it is overconfidence or carelessness, motorists often make mistakes that result in serious car accidents. A driver cannot point to the weather as a reason why they should escape liability for their actions. “Reasonable care” means that a driver is prudent under the conditions. Here are some common mistakes that motorists make during winter weather that put other drivers in danger.
Driving When They Should Not
There are times when it simply does not make sense to drive. When it is snowing outside or there is ice on the roadway, you should consider staying at home. Many people take a chance, or they prioritize an appointment or engagement over their own safety. Motorists should not be on the roads during an active snow or ice storm. When tires cannot grip the roadway, or a driver is not able to see, they should not travel.
Traveling Too Fast for the Conditions
Winter weather often requires slower travel than may occur in other months. There are more hazards on the roadway that drivers need to account for at all times. They may not be able to process these dangers, or slow down their car in time to avoid an accident, if they are traveling too fast. Remember that the speed limit is the maximum that you should be traveling under the circumstances. There are times when you should travel lower than the speed limit because that is what is prudent and reasonable during weather conditions.
Not Anticipating Black Ice
“Black ice” is common on Delaware roadways during the winter. It is extremely dangerous because a driver may not realize that they are going over black ice until they have already lost control of their car. Drivers may not anticipate that roadways could be frozen over, especially on bridges and overpasses. They may not realize that a road that looks wet in the winter may actually be covered in black ice.
Following Too Closely Behind Other Vehicles
Recognizing the fact that the road may be unexpectedly slippery, a driver should increase the following distance between their car and the vehicle in front of them. A motorist never knows when they may need to stop short. If they do not allow enough following distance, they are more likely to cause a rear-end car accident. A driver is presumed to be liable when they strike the car in front of them, regardless of the weather conditions outside. Consider increasing your following distance to 8 to 10 seconds between cars.
Not Properly Maintaining Their Car
Cars are asked to work extra hard in the winter, whether it is through traveling on tires with lower pressure or the battery struggling with reduced power. Drivers may not do any work on their car before the winter months. They may not have their tire pressure or batteries checked, and they may not have enough tread on their tires to handle winter roadways. Lack of vehicle maintenance raises the risk of a car accident.
Overconfidence in Their Car
A car may have 4WD or AWD, which helps it better handle the winter months. No matter what a car is equipped with, there is always a high risk of accidents during winter weather conditions. Drivers may be overconfident because of the features of their car. Regardless of the type of car a driver has, even if it is a large SUV, a motorist must always exercise extra caution during the winter by taking safety measures.
Contact Our Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC if You Have Been Injured in an Accident and Are Seeking Compensation
Take control of your legal destiny and maximize your chances of receiving full compensation by hiring our Wilmington car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC. We can work to get justice in your case by fighting for a fair settlement. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call today at 302-888-1221. Located in Wilmington, Delaware, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.