Being on the road during winter can be a hassle for many drivers. While the winter season can be a time of celebration and relaxation for many, it is also a period during the year when motorists are susceptible to all sorts of winter driving hazards. As the cold temperatures roll in, motorists can be put at risk of a wide variety of dangerous conditions that could result in serious damages and severe injuries. While the weather itself is already bad enough, winter driving hazards are not just limited to icy roads and snowfall.
Other drivers can also put people at risk if any snow and ice on their vehicles are not properly removed. In the state of New Jersey, if all ice and snow are not removed from your vehicle within reason, not only could you be subject to hefty fines, but you could also be held liable in a personal injury claim. If you were recently involved in an accident due to winter driving hazards or another person’s negligence, do not hesitate to contact a Morris County personal injury attorney at Lutz Injury Law to schedule a free consultation.
What are some common winter driving hazards?
Icy roads can be very risky for any driver which can result in a total loss of control of their vehicle. The best way to mitigate this winter driving hazard is by driving more cautiously. This could mean driving slower or even permitting more space between you and another motorist. However, some drivers do not proceed with caution while they are on icy roads, not because they do not care, but because they may not be aware of any ice on the road. This is primarily due to black ice which is notoriously difficult to identify. Compared to surface ice, black ice can make the road appear wet which can fool motorists into thinking that there is no need to adjust their speed or distance from other drivers. Despite how sure you may think you are about the conditions of the road, it is always advised to be on the side of caution.
Poor visibility can also be problematic due to its ability to adversely affect a motorist’s line of vision. While flurries and blizzards are the most obvious culprits of this issue during the winter, other drivers can contribute to it as well. If all reasonable efforts are not made to remove any ice and snow from a vehicle, it can have a negative impact on other drivers’ ability to see and can drastically increase the chances of a serious accident occurring.
If you’ve been hurt as a result of another driver’s negligence, you need to retain the services of a seasoned personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. Our legal team is here to help you, every step of the way.