In Massachusetts, winter is when weather-related collisions are most frequent. The likelihood of snowy, icy, and rainy roadways increases in December, January, and February. The likelihood of an automobile collision is greatly increased by slippery roads and decreased visibility. Winter driving is hazardous while distracted because of the conditions of the roads. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Boston, MA, for help.
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Wintertime Car Accident Scenarios:
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Road Conditions are poor.
Ice can form on the roads as the temperature drops, making them extremely slick. Rear-end crashes are the most frequent winter accidents because of the ice.
Road friction is decreased by snow and ice, which raises the possibility of collisions and accidents. According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly 40% of weather-related car accidents occur on snowy, slushy, or icy roads or during snowfall or sleet.
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Dialed-In Driving
Across the country, distracted driving is a major factor in auto accidents. Unfortunately, during the cold months, distracted driving is particularly riskier.
It is critical to act quickly when preventing a crash in the winter. Even if you are acting in the “correct” way, drivers around you could suddenly lose control of their vehicles and swerve onto the road in front of you.
While driving, paying attention to your surroundings and staying alert is important. Allowing you to brake properly or take evasive action gives you the best chance at avoiding an accident.
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Limited visibility
In Massachusetts, snow is frequently blamed for bad winter visibility. Driving vision can be impacted by snowstorms, blizzard conditions, hail, or even rain in the winter. The likelihood of an automobile accident increases significantly during the winter because of the low visibility on already hazardous and slick roadways.
Depending on the weather, it may be challenging to see other vehicles, objects, and even pedestrians. Before you drive, always check the weather to be aware of the conditions. It is recommended to postpone your drive if you can if the weather forecast indicates poor visibility.
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Extreme Speed
Speeding is always risky, but it is particularly deadly in the winter. The top speed to be driven in good weather in Massachusetts is established at the posted speed limits. You should slow down as necessary and adhere to the posted speed limit when driving in winter weather.
It could be dangerous to travel too quickly and strike some black ice. You will need more time to stop if you are traveling faster and are also more prone to slide off the road or spin out.