Driving on Icy Roads

The winter season brings some of the most hazardous driving conditions that a driver can experience. Snow, sleet, and ice can all build up and make a normally easy commute quite treacherous. Even low-traffic neighborhood streets can become a hazard overnight for the unsuspecting driver. Whether you have never driven on ice before or you are an experienced winter driver, costly accidents can happen in an instant that send your car careening out of control. Knowing the warning signs of icy roads and how to react to poor winter conditions can help to reduce your risk of a collision.

Warning Signs & Tips

Typically when temperatures approach freezing, crews will begin posting warning signs in high risk areas that are prone to ice and bad weather accidents. Heed these signs and take alternate routes if they are suggested. Ice on the road can be very difficult to see ahead as it is often clear; look for traffic ahead to stay aware of signs of trouble.

In well-lit areas, ice on the road may reflect light, causing the road to appear shiny. High traffic streets will likely be slightly warmer than less frequented streets, so stick to the main roads as much as possible. Always pay attention to weather reports during the winter and avoid driving in poor conditions if possible.

Driving Precautions

If you must drive in bad weather that may create icy roads, consider the following list of safety tips to help avoid an accident:

• Go slow. Many bad weather accidents can be avoided by simply slowing down. It can also lessen the severity of a collision if one does occur, possibly saving your car or even your life.

• Use brakes sparingly. If the road is icy, one of the easiest ways to lose control is to brake too frequently or too quickly. Slow down for turns, coasting or braking very slightly long before the turn. If you begin to lose control, do not pump the brakes. Instead, depress the brake hard once and hold firm to slow down.

• Steer into a slide if you lose control. To minimize your car slipping on ice, if you begin to lose control be sure to turn your steering wheel in the direction that the back of your car is turning. This helps to stabilize the vehicle and prevent you from spinning out of control.

Sometimes icy roads develop unexpectedly because of a water leak or because a business forgot to reprogram its sprinklers. If you have been involved in an icy road accident because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.

Contact Us

For more information on accident liability and how to initiate a lawsuit for compensation, please contact the Wausau car accident lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. ® today at 800-242-2874.