How You Can Avoid a Car Accident While Driving in the Snow

Washington D.C. is known for its brutal winters, and the city is no stranger to heavy snow and possible storms.

Extreme winter weather can bring an increase in car accidents throughout the city. While commuters still need to travel to and from work, snow and ice can accumulate and make road conditions extremely dangerous. According to a study by the American Public Health Association (AJPH), more than 1.5 million car accidents per year involve poor weather conditions. The AJPH also reported that poor driving conditions involving bad weather are responsible for 7,000 deaths and 800,000 injuries per year.

4 Ways You Can Prevent a Snow-Related Car Accident

In order to avoid an accident while traveling through poor winter weather conditions expected for D.C., you could:

• Prepare. The most dangerous day to travel on the road is the day after a snowstorm. If your car isn’t prepared for the winter weather, your likelihood of getting into an accident increases dramatically. Check that your tires have enough tread depth or consider purchasing snow tires. Don’t forget to also check your antifreeze levels, battery power and defogger before getting back on the road after the holidays.
• Not follow too closely. Following someone too closely decreases your reaction time if the car in front of you suddenly brakes or slows down. It’s recommended that you double your normal distance between other vehicles in order to avoid a rear-end crash.
• Never brake suddenly. When your tires start to slip on ice, your first instinct might be to slam on the brakes. However, this will remove traction and prevent you from properly controlling your car. Instead, ease off the accelerator and allow your vehicle to slow down on its own.
• Avoid speeding. Driving too fast reduces the amount of time you have to react, and it can increase the severity of a crash. It takes four to ten times longer to brake on icy or snowy ground than it does on dry ground.

The DC personal injury attorneys at Regan Zambri Long PLLC can help you determine whether it is possible to recover compensation after a car crash. Contact us online for a free consultation if you need more information on what to do after an accident.