Driving during the winter in Northern Virginia can be hazardous, especially when there is an unexpected winter storm or sudden inclement weather that results in reduced visibility, sleet or snow, and icy roads. In many winter weather auto accidents, you can take steps ahead of time to avoid a serious collision. Although your own actions may not be able to entirely eradicate your risk of being involved in a winter weather car accident since another driver’s negligence can still cause a collision, you can take action to reduce the likelihood that you will be involved in a serious crash in which you could sustain serious or life-threatening injuries.
The following tips for preventing a winter weather auto accident in Virginia come from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, and the Insurance Information Institute (III).
You can take steps to avoid a motor vehicle crash or serious injuries in a collision in wintry weather or freezing temperatures by doing the following:
Get your vehicle ready: You should have your car or truck maintained before the weather gets cold, which should involve having your battery checked, your coolant refilled or adjusted, your tires checked for adequate tread, and any other vehicle issues that could increase your likelihood of being involved in a motor vehicle collision. Even if another driver behaves erratically on the road or engages in behaviors that are likely to cause a crash, you could avoid the accident if you are prepared and your vehicle has been properly maintained.
Be prepared for an emergency situation: If you are involved in a collision (even a minor one) and the temperature is below freezing and the collision has occurred late at night, it could be quite some time before help arrives. It is important to have everything you need in your vehicle to avoid further injury and to ensure that you can stay safe while you wait for help. You should have an emergency kit in your car at all times. It should contain flares for you to set out in order to avoid a secondary collision after the initial crash, a spare cell phone battery, a flashlight, medications you take regularly, and a blanket to avoid freezing.
Get snow tires: You should have your tires changed when late fall and early winter come. Snow tires can improve your grip on the road, especially in situations where the road is slick due to sleet or ice. Even if you do not plan to have your tires changed, you should check to ensure that your tire pressure is adequate and that your tires have sufficient tread to help your vehicle grip the road and come to a stop before a collision occurs.
Get your windshield wipers changed: Dull windshield wipers blades can make poor visibility even worse in a snow storm, and you could end up involved in a severe rear-end collision that could have been avoided if you had been able to see more clearly.
Avoid driving in winter weather if possible: We know it may not be possible to postpone a trip or to delay traveling in your car, especially if you are headed into an important business meeting or are scheduled to pick up your child. However, if you can delay your trip or postpone it altogether, it is best to avoid driving when inclement weather is expected.
If you are involved in a car crash during wintry weather, you should know that another party may still be to blame even if there was poor visibility or the road was slick. One of our experienced Fairfax motor vehicle accident attorneys can assess your case for you today and can discuss your options for filing a claim for financial compensation. Contact Leary Law to learn more about how we can help you seek the financial compensation you deserve after a serious auto accident in Northern Virginia.
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Providing excellent representation to her clients is the hallmark of Christie Leary’s career. For nearly 20 years, Christie Leary, a native of Northern Virginia, has litigated cases heard in the state courts of every jurisdiction in Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, the United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. Along with her former partners Peter Greenspun and Jonathan Shapiro at Greenspun Shapiro, PC (formerly Greenspun, Shapiro, Davis & Leary, P.C.), Christie was a member of the criminal defense team appointed to represent John Allen Muhammad, the “Beltway Sniper.” Christie’s practice focuses on criminal and traffic law, personal injury, juvenile law and civil litigation. Christie has tried bench and jury trials in criminal and civil matters ranging from traffic offenses to serious criminal offenses and cases involving complex personal injury issues and medical malpractice.Christie graduated with a degree in History and Government from the College of William and Mary. In college, she was a member of William and Mary’s NCAA Division I Field Hockey team and member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Christie received her law degree from George Mason University School of Law (GMUSL) where she subsequently served as an adjunct professor for GMUSL’s legal writing... View full business profile here: Christie Leary
