Safety Tips for Avoiding a Car Accident During the Winter in Illinois

 Posted on October 31, 2019 in Personal Injury

The harsh weather conditions that can be associated with a Midwest winter may leave motorists wishing they did not have to travel. While it is true that every season produces different driving hazards, winter may be considered the most dangerous. Freezing rain, ice, sleet, and snow can all cause a driver to lose control of his or her vehicle, leading to a potentially serious injury. Regardless of the weather conditions, a driver is still responsible for his or her actions behind the wheel. To keep yourself, your family, and other motorists safe on the road, here are a few tips that can reduce the likelihood of a car accident:

Prepare Your Vehicle

Maintaining proper safety equipment in your vehicle can make winter driving more manageable. To do so, you should check your tires, battery, headlights, and windshield wipers to ensure they are in proper working order. Traction issues resulting from worn or “bald” tires could lead to a head-on collision or a rear-end accident. Furthermore, a simple headlight outage or a windshield wiper malfunction could significantly decrease a driver’s visibility. Frequently checking the status of your car and its fluids could save your life.

Plan for Winter Travel

In situations where driving conditions are not ideal, it is important to consider that your drive may take longer than anticipated. Dangerous road conditions can increase the length of a typical commute. If you are going on a long drive or have to arrive at a location by a designated time, you should prepare to leave earlier. Avoiding risky habits such as tailgating and speeding could decrease the probability of a reckless driving accident.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Understanding that snow, ice, and salt can influence your ability to drive is crucial for every motorist. Situations such as black ice, snow piles, snowplows, or damaged objects in the road may require a driver to make a split-second decision. Refraining from distracted driving activities such as text messaging, eating, or applying makeup can help a driver remain focused on the road.

Contact a DuPage County Car Accident Attorney

Even if you take extra care to protect your own safety on the road, you cannot guarantee that other drivers will do the same. Unfortunately, car accidents often occur because a driver did not account for weather conditions, did not pay proper attention to hazards on the road, or drove recklessly or carelessly. If you were injured in a winter car accident, you should be sure to understand your options for pursuing financial compensation from the driver who was at fault. At the Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, our experienced Naperville personal injury lawyers can help you hold the guilty party responsible for his or her actions and ensure that you receive compensation that fully addresses your damages. To schedule a free consultation, contact our office today at 630-932-9100.