Preparing for a Car Accident in Winter Driving Conditions

 Posted on March 19, 2019 in Car Accident

While temperatures are beginning to rise, and Coloradans are gearing up for spring, hazardous weather is not gone yet. On March 14, drivers throughout the state were reminded of that when a winter storm brought blizzard conditions. Unfortunately, the impact was disastrous, as what initially began as a collision involving six vehicles on I-25 resulted in a pileup of 100 automobiles. The accident, which occurred near Wellington, left hundreds of passengers stranded on the interstate for hours. 

As temperatures dropped, and gusts of wind became more severe, those stranded were fearful for their lives. If your family is involved in a car accident during winter months, the failure to prepare can be a life-threatening omission. 

Car Accident Safety Tips 

According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 116,800 Americans are injured in motor vehicle collisions while traveling in winter driving conditions every year. From snow to slush and ice, driving during the winter can decrease your ability to control your vehicle and bring it to a complete stop. An estimated 1,300 people die in car accidents every winter. Preparing for the possibility of a collision can be critically important to ensure you and your family make it out alive, especially in rural accidents.

Pack Warm Gear

Having warm winter gear in your vehicle at all times can help you and your loved ones remain at an optimal core body temperature as you wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Winter gear to keep stored in your vehicle includes gloves, hats, winter coats, and sleeping bags. 

Emergency Equipment

In the event of an emergency, sometimes waiting for help is not an option. If you must act to ensure the safety of all passengers, you need emergency equipment. A shovel can help you dig your way out of a snow mass if your vehicle is partially covered. If you remain in your vehicle for some time, it is possible your doors will freeze. A heat gun can warm the seal of the door and help you escape the vehicle. If your car is simply stuck on the side of the road, having a bag of sand can help you gain traction and drive to safety. 

Communication Devices

As you prepare for a long drive in winter driving conditions, you need to have a means of communication in the event of an emergency. The first step you can take is ensuring your cell phone is charged and working. If you are driving through a rural area with no cell service, having a citizens band (CB) radio can help you communicate your location to emergency personnel. 

Contact a Fort Collins Car Accident Lawyer 

At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., our legal team fully understands how frightening a car accident can be, especially if you sustain injuries due to the negligence of another driver. Our team is here to secure the financial compensation you need for your recovery. To schedule a free initial consultation with an adept Larimer County personal injury attorney, contact us today at 970-225-2190. 

Sources:

http://www.thedrive.com/news/26957/bomb-cyclone-blizzard-causes-disastrous-100-car-pileup-in-colorado

https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/weather_events/snow_ice.htm