The snow and ice season is no match for inexperienced drivers, and even those with many years behind the wheel can find themselves the victim of an accident due to inclement weather. While drivers are coached to slow down and raise awareness, a careless driver can cause painful and debilitating injuries to others and damage to your vehicle.
Types of Winter Road Accidents
Different types of weather-related auto accidents affect drivers and passengers in Oregon. Here are some of the most common:
- Icy road accidents
- Snow and sleet accidents
- Wet road accidents
- Impaired visibility accidents
Any driving condition that is impacted by wet, snowy, icy, slushy, foggy, or slick conditions can cause serious injuries and even fatalities.
How to Stay Safe on the Road in Winter
Before the nasty weather appears, follow these tips to ensure your vehicle is ready for treacherous conditions and that whoever is behind the wheel understands how to navigate as safely as possible.
- Check your vehicle’s lights, brakes, battery, fluids, and tire pressure.
- Clear off snow and ice from your windows, doors, and mirrors before hitting the road.
- Slow down and stay aware, avoid using cruise control, and keep a lookout for black ice or flooding.
- Plan your route ahead of time, check road conditions, and make sure to let someone know where you are going.
- Carry an emergency kit with a blanket, a flashlight, jumper cables, a cell phone charger, a small snow shovel, kitty litter, non-perishable food, bottled water, flares, and an ice scraper.
Injured in a Car Accident? Let Shlesinger & de Villeneuve Help
If you or a loved one was injured in an auto accident in or around Eugene, OR, during winter weather, our attorneys can help. We can offer you insights and options for pursuing compensation for necessary medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Contact us today to get started.
