5 Ways Snow Can Cause Car Crashes

Although December has been relatively warm throughout most of Kansas and Missouri, temperatures are expected to drop sharply in the near future. Additionally, the El Niño weather system adds the potential for a larger-than-normal amount of snowfall this winter. This means that there will likely be more snow car accidents and other weather-related crashes. To help you and the drivers in your household understand why snow car crashes happen, the car wreck attorneys at Patterson Legal Group explain five common causes.

5 Reasons Why Snow Causes Car Crashes

Snow, ice, and sleet can alter driving conditions in numerous ways. Roads that you’ve driven down hundreds of times can feel unfamiliar when they’re covered in snow and black ice. Furthermore, inclement weather can drastically change the driving experience. After successfully representing hundreds of snow car crash victims, the personal injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group have noticed five common causes of snow car accidents. The are:

1. Decreased Visibility: snow can drastically reduce visibility, making it difficult for you to see other vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, and hazards on the road. You might not be able to see far enough ahead to react to changing traffic conditions or obstacles on the road. Making sure that you have fresh windshield wipers and driving slower than you normally do can help compensate for decreased visibility.
2. Increased Stopping Distances: the slippery surface caused by ice and snow requires a greater stopping distance. If you fail to adjust your speed accordingly then you may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision. Reducing your speed and applying your brakes earlier will help you avoid a fender bender–or worse–caused by increased stopping distances.
3. Reduced Traction and Control: Whether it’s fresh, packed, or turning into ice, snow significantly reduces the traction between a vehicle’s tires and the road surface. This reduced traction can lead to skidding, sliding, and a loss of control. Snowy roads can make turning, braking, or accelerating more challenging than usual. Avoid speeding and aggressive turning when it’s snowing in order to maintain optimal control of your vehicle.
4. Driver Inexperience or Overconfidence: many victims of snow car accidents are injured by younger drivers or newer drivers. Some drivers might be inexperienced with driving in winter conditions; they may panic or be unable to adjust their driving when there’s snow on the roads. On the other end of the spectrum, overconfident drivers often underestimate the hazards introduced by snowy conditions and drive too fast or make risky maneuvers.
5. Unpredictable Road Conditions: snow can cover up road markings, potholes, traffic signs, and uneven portions of the road. It can also lead to uneven road conditions, where some areas are clear while others are covered in snow or ice, making it challenging for drivers to navigate safely.

While there are many other ways that snow car crashes can happen, these are the five that our car accident attorneys have encountered the most. Being familiar with these causes and changing your driving style to accommodate the snow goes a long way towards avoiding a weather-related wreck this winter. Please share this information with the drivers in your household, family, and friends to keep them safe.

Contact a Patterson Legal Group Car Accident Lawyer

While being armed with information can increase your safety, there are times when accidents will happen no matter how safe you’re being. If you’ve been hurt in a winter crash caused by another party then contact Patterson Legal Group for immediate assistance. Our team of experienced legal professionals can help you get the highest settlement possible for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

You can reach Patterson Legal Group by phone at (888) 687-2400 and online through our secure contact form or connecting with our LiveChat agents. For over 25 years, Patterson Legal Group has been representing injury victims in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Our experienced trial lawyers have recovered more than $250-million in settlements for thousands of injury victims. While legally we can’t say we are the “best personal injury lawyers in Wichita” or the “best car wreck lawyers in Topeka” our results and testimonials speak for themselves.

The information on this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to serve as legal advice for an individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship nor does viewing this material constitute an attorney-client relationship.