The winter season is here again, and that means New York’s roadways are a bit more dangerous for drivers now than they are at other times of the year. During the winter, there are car accident hazards on the roadway that are less present – and in some cases, not present at all – during the warmer months.
This winter, be prepared for the hazards you will face on the roadway by taking precautions to mitigate them. Some of these hazards are easier to manage than others. When the weather is severe enough that you do not feel confident driving, your safest option is to stay home.
Snow
A snowstorm can make the roadway significantly more dangerous for drivers within just a short span of time. When you see snow in the forecast, prepare for it by outfitting your car with studded snow tires and budgeting more time to reach your destination because you will need to slow down and drive more carefully when there is snow on the roadway. Snowy roads are difficult for your car’s tires to grip, so be sure to pack a bag of sand or kitty litter to spread on the roadway to increase its traction in the event you get stuck.
Black Ice
Like snow, black ice can cause your car to slip and skid on the roadway. It can be even more dangerous than snow because in many cases, it is impossible to see. When you skid on black ice, steer gently in the direction the car is skidding to regain control.
Wet Leaves
Although fallen leaves are more commonly associated with the autumn than the winter, you will still find piles of fallen, wet, disintegrating leaves on and beside the roadways this winter. These leaf piles can be very slippery and cause your car to lose its grip on the roadway.
Darkness
Darkness just amplifies all other roadway hazards because it reduces your visibility. In the winter, the sun goes down earlier and comes up later, extending the dangerous dark periods by a few hours.
Holiday Hazards
Even with the holiday season coming to an end, there are more drivers on the roadways. Not only are there more drivers on the road, there are more drivers unfamiliar with the roadways they travel to see friends and family and impaired drivers leaving holiday parties. Pay close attention to other drivers on the road and if you plan on drinking at a party, choose public transportation or a designated driver.
Our Team of Long Island Car Accident Lawyers can Help You Pursue the Compensation You Deserve
Winter can be a dangerous time of year for drivers. If you are injured in a car accident this winter, you could be entitled to recover monetary compensation for your related damages through a bodily injury claim. To learn more and to get started on your case with one of the Long Island car accident lawyers on our team, contact the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP to schedule your free legal consultation.
