Watching a winter wonderland from your picture window can be quite breath taking but driving in it is a completely different story. The dangers of winter driving are upon us so it’s time to take measures in an effort to ensure our safety on the roadways this winter season.
One common danger is the failure to remove snow and ice from our vehicle. Don’t be the victim of a New York automobile accident by failing to clean your windows and lights properly before putting your car into drive this winter.
Last year New Jersey was the first state to pass a law that requires drivers to clean off their vehicle in wintery weather before they drive. As reported in the Cape May County Herald New Jersey drivers will now be fined if their vehicles are not cleared of snow and or ice. The fines will range from $25 to $75 for ‘dangerous accumulations’ of ice and or snow on your vehicle. With any luck, New York will follow legislation in hopes of reducing the risk of serious injury or fatality in winter weather car accidents.
Snow blowing off your windshield or hood can impair your vision while driving. Not to mention the danger you cause to other drivers when large chunks of ice and snow fly off of your vehicle directly into the car behind you. This can cause drivers to make a defensive maneuver like swerving off the side of an already slippery road resulting in a serious accident.
In 2009 the Fatality Analysis Reporting System from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 988 fatal crashes from snow/ice nationally. Last year in New York, there were a total of 52 fatal crashes related to winter weather during the months of December through March according the NHTSA.
Edmunds suggests you ask yourself the following before heading out in winter weather conditions:
-Do you have the right kind of tires for winter driving?
-Are your wiper blades in good shape and your windshield washer fluid full?
-Is your vehicle thoroughly cleaned off and your windows defrosted?
-Are your headlights clean and working properly?
Sometimes it is best to just stay home, but if you do venture out, keep your pace slow, your distance between other vehicles long and don’t make sudden stops or maneuvers.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle crash contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose for a free consultation. Call us at 1-877-313-ROSE(7673).
