When people think of winter (unless they are human space-heaters), they shiver in their bones, because it’s a season that brings cringe-worthy weather to the great outdoors. Puffy jackets, heavy boots, knitted hats, thick gloves, and long johns are all part of the preparation before wandering outside. We have to prepare for winter in many ways, not just in the way we dress, but in preparing our vehicle for winter, while being aware of the weather forecast at all times.
Emergency kits are also lifesaving when car accident victims are stranded in the cold, for possibly hours at a time, waiting for help to arrive. Winter is not going away any time soon, and preparation might be the only way to deal with the harsh climate and prevent car accidents from occurring.
Being Aware of the Winter Forecast
Before you leave your house, you should always check the weather forecast--no matter what the conditions look like before you leave. Weather in the winter can go from clear, sunny skies to a blizzard in no time. Blizzards can last six hours, or even longer, bringing snow that blows, falls, and drifts. The wind can blow at up to 40 kilometers per hour, while the temperature remains below -10°c. If a car accident does occur in a blizzard, it’s important to make your car visible by turning on emergency lights and staying in a safe location off of the road. Car accident victims will be thankful for an emergency kit with extra water, food, clothing, flashlights, blankets, etc., to keep them safe until emergency vehicles arrive.
Despite what you might think, snow and ice on the roads are actually more slippery and dangerous at 0°c than at -20°c. So when temperatures drop to 0°c, you need to slow down your speed to match the slippery conditions. Freezing rain is also extremely dangerous driving weather and can cause accidents because of the black ice that coats the roads in sheets on shaded areas of the roads. The best thing to do before you drive is to look at the pavement and see if you can spot any dark, glossy spots on the road. This is most likely black ice, and, without snow, there is no traction--which becomes extremely dangerous. Remember not to slam on the brakes, keep your wheel steady, lift your foot off of the gas, and do not try to overcorrect your steering if your car begins sliding on black ice.
If the forecast mentions: blizzards, heavy snow, freezing rain, cold snaps, or strong winds in the winter weather, you have to make sure that you drive safely, slowly, and carefully. And, if a car accident does happen to occur, a Toronto personal injury lawyer will be able to help you with your case and prove that you were not at-fault in an accident (if this is the case). Despite terrible winter weather, the Fault Determination Rules outline that there is always a driver at-fault in an accident. This means that you need to take responsibility for your driving, and make safe decisions on the roads.
Hiring a Toronto Personal Injury Lawyer
Car accident victims should not have to suffer more than they have to after a winter driving accident occurs. Financial, mental, and physical stress become a reality for the victim, but if they were not at-fault in the accident then they deserve financial compensation for their injuries. Book a free consultation at Sokoloff today, and ask us any questions about your winter driving accident, as we are happy to help.
Sources:
http://caa.ca/docs/eng/winterdrivingbrochure_en.pdf
http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/black-ice-driving-dangers/22052530