Chicago Car Accident Risks Rise When There is Snow and Ice on the Road
According to Illinois police, snow, ice and rain are expected to created dangerous driving conditions in the Chicago area during the early part of the week. Meantime, the National Weather Service has said that bouts of heavy snowfall will make it “near impossible” for crews to keep up with the conditions. As of approximately 9:40 p.m. on Monday, police said there had already been about 30 Chicago car crashes on area highways.
Our Cook County car accident lawyers want to remind you that even though motorists have no control over the weather conditions, they are still required to drive safely to minimize the chances of a traffic crash. A driver who was careless or reckless—even if the road and weather conditions are poor—can still be held liable for Chicago personal injury or wrongful death.
Steps to Decrease the Chances of a Chicago Car Accident:
• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and ready to drive in winter weather: Clean, working windshield wipers, properly inflated tires, and snow chains or winter tires can help to keep you and others safe.
• Fasten your seat belt and scrape snow and ice from your windows and mirrors before heading out.
• Don’t drive while distracted: Don’t make cell phone calls, text message, or surf the Internet on your PDA while operating your vehicle.
• Drive with your lights on so that other drivers can see you.
• Drive with both hands on the steering wheel and pay attention.
• Avoid stepping on the brakes too hard when you need to slow down or stop your car.
• Don’t speed. If possible, drive more slowly than usual to accommodate the road and weather conditions.
• Avoid using cruise control.
• Don’t drive while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or medication.
In the event that you are involved in a Chicago car crash this holiday season that you believe was caused by another party’s negligence, contact our Chicago motor vehicle accident law firm today.
Snow, freezing rain making roads treacherous, Chicago Sun-TImes, December 20, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Safe Winter Driving Tips from Bridgestone Tires, Road and Travel Magazine
Safe Winter Driving, Road Trip America
Chicago Weather Center
The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates, PC is a Chicago injury law firm that represents Illinois motor vehicle crash victims in Cook County, Will County, Lake County, and DuPage County.
