You may have heard your parents or grandparents tell grand tales of how they had to trudge several miles each way in knee-deep snow to get to school when they were young. When automobiles became the primary mode of transportation, drivers did their best to make their way through slush and snow. In time, professional snowplow companies and other amenities made winter travel more convenient and safer, as well. However, driving in Delaware in winter still places you at risk for collision.
Even if you’re alert and cautious behind the wheel, you have no way to control another driver’s behavior on the road. For instance, if a nearby motorist travels at high speeds on a slippery roadway, they place you at immediate risk of collision. When preparing for winter travel, keeping several safety issues in mind may increase your chances of safe arrival to your destination.
Drivers should slow down when roads are slick
People who fail to adjust their driving speed to align with road conditions are not only a nuisance on the roadway but are menaces to other motorists and pedestrians who might be nearby. If you’re driving on a road covered in slush, snow or ice, it increases the likelihood that your vehicle could enter a spin if you move too fast or apply your brakes too hard.
Like all safe drivers, you no doubt adjust your speed when road conditions are poor, even if it means that you must travel slightly under the posted speed limit. If another driver disregards the hazardous conditions and is moving at a high rate of speed, you might be the one to suffer injury if their vehicle goes into a spin and crashes into your car.
Vehicles veering out of their lanes create instant danger
As a licensed driver, you understand that you (and all other drivers) must adhere to traffic laws and safety regulations. Maintaining proper lane position is part of your driving responsibilities. If a roadway is slippery and a driver is careless or reckless, their vehicle could easily veer over the line and collide with your car in another lane.
You can reasonably expect the drivers behind you to travel at a safe distance
Tailgating is dangerous at any time but especially when road conditions are poor due to inclement weather. If the driver behind you is not keeping a safe distance, and you have to slow down or come to a stop, they might wind up causing a rear-end collision due to traveling too close to your bumper.
Rear-end collisions often result in injuries to the driver in front, such as whiplash, concussion or worse. You can reasonably expect drivers with whom you share the road to maintain enough distance behind your vehicle and to pay close attention to the task at hand to avoid a collision if the traffic pattern slows down or comes to a halt.
Careless driving plus poor road conditions may lead to disaster
Driver negligence is one of the most common causes of collision, especially during winter when roads are wet or covered in slush, snow or ice. Suppose someone else caused a collision that resulted in injury to you or your loved one. In that case, you shouldn’t have to bear complete financial responsibility for medical expenses or other debt that arises in connection with the incident.
In the past, many Delaware accident victims have sought financial recovery for their losses by filing personal injury claims against those deemed responsible for damages.
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed