Posted on Friday, January 13th, 2017 at 9:03 pm
The winter storm that has been dumping snow and rain in our area is an example of why everyone needs to be aware of the dangers winter weather pose for drivers. The mega storm brought flooding along with the rain and snow to Northern California. The storm prompted many local officials to prepare for the worst, including providing sandbags to residents in some counties.
While our area may not need to deal with a storm of this size very often, we do deal with winter weather each year. An example is the Placerville Police Department closing Placerville Drive between Forni Road and east of Highway 50 Eastbound off ramp when temperatures are at freezing levels. Many cities in and around Sacramento County initiate winter-weather steps each year to help protect drivers and others from winter weather accidents.
Winter Weather Driving Accidents
Each year, weather-related accidents injure or kill thousands of individuals. Therefore, it is very important that every driver understands how winter weather can impact driving conditions and how to reduce the risk of an accident due to poor weather conditions.
Tips for Driving in Poor Weather Conditions
One of the easiest things you can do to decrease your risk of being involved in a weather-related accident is to slow down. The other thing you need to do is allow more space between you and the vehicle in front of you. During poor weather conditions, your vehicle may not be able to stop as quickly because of wet or slick pavement. Therefore, by slowing down and increasing the space between your car and other vehicles you give yourself more time to stop or take action to avoid a collision.
Unfortunately, you may not be able to avoid a winter-weather accident. Therefore, always wear your seat belt and make sure infants and children are always in a car seat or booster seat appropriate for their age, weight, and height. You may not be able to avoid a collision, but by wearing your seat belt and using child restraints, you can reduce your risk of sustaining traumatic injuries during a motor vehicle accident.
You can find more information and tips for driving in winter weather from:
- California Highway Patrol
- Caltrans
- California Department of Transportation
- California Office of Traffic Safety
Call a Sacramento Car Accident Attorney
If you are injured in a weather-related accident, don’t assume you are at fault or you can’t receive compensation because the accident was due to the weather. The weather may be a factor; however, most accidents involve driver error of some type. Our Sacramento car accident attorneys investigate a weather-related accident to determine how the accident occurred. Determining fault is an essential step in the injury claim process.
We urge you to call our office to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Sacramento car accident attorney. It does not cost you anything to get legal advice but settling a claim with legal advice could cost you thousands of dollars.
You can reach the Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or by chatting with a representative on our website.
