Drive safe when winter weather strikes

This time of year, it is inevitable that New York will eventually see cold temperatures, ice and snow. This can make for hazardous driving conditions. It is important to drive with extra care when roads are slick, and visibility is reduced. The following are some tips for driving safe in the winter weather.

Winter driving tips

When driving in winter weather, using cruise control gives you less control over your vehicle should you encounter ice or snow on the road. If you do start skidding, steer in the direction of the skid. Trying to overcorrect could cause a crash. Do not drive too fast or try to suddenly brake. Keep a greater distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. A distance of eight to 10 seconds is recommended. Tailgating could lead to a motor vehicle accident. Finally, use inertia when going uphill to carry you to the top without stopping.

Negligent driving

Sadly, not everyone will follow these safety tips. They may be overconfident and drive recklessly by speeding, tailgating, driving drunk or driving distracted. These acts may be considered acts of negligence in the event of a car crash.

All drivers have a duty of care to drive reasonably under the circumstances. In winter this may mean taking extra care in response to dangerous road conditions. If a driver breaches this duty and causes a motor vehicle accident, and the accident was foreseeable, and the other party suffered damages due to the crash, the injured party may want to learn more about pursuing a personal injury lawsuit based on negligence. Doing so may be one way to help get you through a tough financial time when you are too injured to work and are facing hefty medical bills.