Winter is coming, which means slippery roads and a higher risk of accidents. This winter, you can stay safe with tips from Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Calgary. You don’t want to spend your holidays in bed or in pain, right? These safety tips will help you prepare and avoid becoming part of the statistics showing that slush, snow and ice were involved in 8.5% of fatal collisions and 12.3% of major injury collisions.
Key Takeaways
- Winter driving is hazardous due to slippery roads, poor visibility, and icy conditions, so preparing your vehicle and driving cautiously is essential.
- Proper winter tires, functioning vehicle systems, and an emergency kit can reduce the risks of accidents during cold weather.
- Adjusting your driving habits, such as slowing down and steering gently, and knowing how to handle skids, can help you stay safe and avoid collisions.
Accidents During Winter in Calgary
Heavy snowfall, icy roads, poor visibility, and many hazardous driving conditions are all part of winter weather. Many people feel anxious even thinking about driving at this time of year. Three types of traffic accidents are especially common during the winter.
| Spin Out Collisions | Lose control on black ice and skid into another lane; braking or steering offers little help |
| Read End Car Crash | One vehicle hits the back of another. Snow or ice makes it harder to stop in time. |
| Lane Drifting Accidents | Cold weather and snowstorms create fog that makes it difficult to see, so lane markings are completely obscured. |
Personal Injury Lawyers’ Tips for Safe Winter Driving
Many Calgary personal injury lawyers have handled personal injury claims caused by motor vehicle accidents during winter. Some cases result in strong personal injury claims, while others lead clients into personal injury litigation. Getting car accident claims approved can be difficult, especially if you are dealing with a serious personal injury. If you want to avoid this, then you may need to follow these tips.
Before driving in the snowy season, keep in mind who to contact if you need an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Put on Winter Tires
Snow tires’ unique (softer) rubber compounds and more aggressive tread patterns increase traction on snow and ice. For more traction, especially on ice, you can purchase snow tires with metal studs.
Another option is all-weather tires. These tires are primarily made to be smooth and long-lasting; they should not be confused with “all-season” tires. “All-season” tires lack the rubber and tread technologies required for effective traction on ice and snow. Because of this, the phrase “all season” is deceptive, and some tire manufacturers and retailers now refer to them as 3-season tires.
Vehicle Systems Check
Have your mechanic inspect a few other parts of your vehicle as well.
- Check that your windshield wipers are still in good condition.
- Confirm battery age and health
- Engine oil and radiator antifreeze must be suitable for winter temperatures.
Bring Emergency Equipment
If you’re unlucky enough to face a breakdown or accident in freezing temperatures, conditions can become dangerous very quickly. Protect yourself and your family by preparing an emergency kit for your vehicle, which should include:
- Ice scraper, snowbrush, and a shovel
- Jumper cables
- Bag of sand or salt (or kitty litter) – if you have a rear-wheel drive pickup truck, the extra weight will also improve traction
- Road flares, emergency lights, or reflective triangle markers
- Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Blanket or sleeping bag
- Water in plastic bottles
- Non-perishable food
- First-aid kit
Planning Ahead Before a Winter Trip
Winter travel requires more preparation. Driving in snowy or icy conditions will require you to go more slowly and may require you to take more rest breaks. It’s also essential that you monitor the weather.
This is a list of things you should do before heading out on your winter vacation:
- Examine the weather forecast.
- Check the state of the roads.
- Clear the snow from your car and de-ice your windows, mirrors, and windshield.
- Leave early to guarantee you have enough time to drive safely.
- Share your location with someone and let them know the route you’re taking.
A lot of modern phones have crash detection, which means that if they detect an accident, they can automatically notify emergency services. Before you drive in the winter, activate these safety features.
Adjust Driving Skills
Adapting your driving to the weather is one of the best things you can do to avoid a motor vehicle accident or wrongful death.
- Slow down. Keep in mind that winter driving conditions are less than ideal, and the posted speed limit is for “ideal conditions.” Lowering your speed gives you more time to react.
- Apply the brakes and accelerate slowly. Even for drivers of more recent models with ABS, gentle braking helps cut down on stopping time.
- Steer clear of abrupt inputs and movements. You can prevent overcorrection and preserve traction and control in slick conditions by using gentle inputs, such as gentle braking.
Know What To Do If Your Car Starts to Skid
It’s necessary to maintain composure and take the appropriate action if your car begins to skid. Never apply the brakes too hard. Instead, reduce the accelerator and brakes to try to regain traction:
If your car’s rear wheels begin to slide, steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. Once you have control again, accelerate gradually.
Depress the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go if your front tires are skidding. Avoid trying to steer too sharply.
Keep Safe This Winter, Follow Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Calgary Tips
Not driving during the winter season is the best way to avoid becoming an accident victim, but sometimes it cannot be avoided. Your best option is to drive safely. Follow the tips mentioned above to stay safe and arrive alive.
If an accident does occur, seek medical attention first, then contact a personal injury lawyer to assist you with your personal injury claim. Where can you find one? Contact Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Calgary. Our experienced personal injury lawyers understand personal injury law and know how to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive compensation if I’m involved in a winter accident where no other vehicles or people are involved?
You may be able to receive compensation for a winter accident even if no other vehicles or people are involved, but it depends on your insurance coverage. Mandatory insurance covers liability and accident benefits. This can help with medical costs regardless of fault, but it does not cover damage to your own vehicle. To get your vehicle repaired after a single-vehicle crash, you need optional collision coverage.
Should I use cruise control in winter conditions?
It’s not a good idea to use it in the winter. Tires may lose their grip and result in an accident as a car’s cruise control attempts to maintain speed in bad weather. Therefore, human intervention is necessary to prevent auto accidents when snow or ice builds up.
Can I be held liable if I drive into someone else’s property during winter?
Yes, you could be held liable for damaging someone else’s property if you slide into it, but liability will likely depend on your insurance coverage for property damage, such as collision or comprehensive coverage, and on the property owner having taken reasonable care to manage snow and ice.
