Unpredictable weather can add a significant challenge to operating a vehicle safely, and the winter months can bring more than their fair share of unpredictability. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 17 percent of all vehicle crashes happen during winter driving conditions. Road conditions and visibility can change quickly, without much warning, and require drivers to take extra care when on the road. Reducing speed, allowing for extra time to reach your destination, and choosing not to drive in poor weather conditions unless absolutely necessary are just some of the ways of reducing the risk of winter driving accidents.
Drivers can also take steps to protect themselves in the event of an accident by ensuring their car is properly prepared ahead of time. To accomplish this, drivers should make sure their vehicle is well maintained and also have some basic winter driving essentials on hand to deal with emergency situations.
Winter Tune Ups Help Keep You Safe
Part of responsible vehicle ownership involves servicing and maintaining a vehicle all year-round. In winter months, however, it is of utmost importance. Winterizing your car should include:
- Winter tires
- Checking tread on tires
- Checking brakes
- Checking battery
- Checking fluid levels
- Replacing windshield wiper fluid
- Replacing windshield wiper blades
- Rainex car windshield to help repel moisture
Further Reading: Do You Need a Lawyer After a Trucking Accident
Basic Winter Driving Essentials Help You Be Prepared
In the unfortunate event of an accident, having the right supplies on hand can make all the difference. Prepare your vehicle for winter driving by packing up these winter driving essentials and carrying them with you in your car wherever you go:
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight
- Portable shovel
- Ice and snow scraper
- Warm blanket
- Flares and emergency signalling devices (lights, cones)
- Emergency food and water
- First Aid kit
- Cell phone, with charging cable and battery backup
- Any necessary medications
Even if you believe that no one was to blame for your accident, that may not be true. Road defects, improperly cleared or salted roads, and broken traffic signals can all cause devastating injuries. If a city or county was negligent in caring for the roads or for the traffic signs in the area, you may have cause to file a claim.
If you are in an accident this winter, an attorney can help you recover damages, such as lost wages from missed work, medical bills, and vehicle repair expenses. But time is of the essence so don’t delay. Valuable evidence can be lost or destroyed quickly if you don’t call an attorney as soon as you are able.
Contact Our Experienced Arvada Car Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Arvada, Northglenn, Thornton, or anywhere in Northern Colorado, it is important to contact our experienced Arvada injury attorneys immediately. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., our committed car accident lawyers are dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves justice. Contact us at (303) 423-1770 or (866) 385-3505.
Our car accident lawyers have extensive experience representing injured accident victims in Broomfield, Arvada, Superior, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, Longmont, and throughout Colorado.
