Winter Driving Hazards in Massachusetts

Obviously, the winter months in Massachusetts bring added weather-related accident risks. While our state was ranked 43rd in terms of winter traffic fatalities between 2018 and 2020, with a total of 17 deaths, many people still are involved in collisions and suffer injuries because of winter driving hazards. Remember that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of being involved in a weather-related crash this year. Scroll down to learn more.

A major issue that often contributes to winter accidents in Massachusetts is poor visibility. When you drive during the winter, the daylight hours are much shorter. Visibility can also be impacted by rain, snow, and blizzards. When poor visibility is combined with slick roads, the risk of being involved in a crash increases.

During the winter, inclement weather can make it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and objects. Before you drive, check the weather so that you know what to expect. If it looks like visibility will be poor, wait to drive if possible, or exercise extreme caution while driving. Make sure your defroster is working and check the condition of your windshield wipers at the start of the winter. If you can, install heavy-duty winter windshield wiper blades.

Snow and Ice on Your Vehicle

Before you get in your car, make sure you clear your hood, windshield, vehicle roof, and headlights of any snow or ice. Driving with accumulated snow on your vehicle impacts your ability to see other vehicles and also reduces other drivers’ visibility. Snow can blow off of your car onto the windshields of other vehicles. Turn your car on about 15 minutes before you begin removing accumulated snow and ice to make the task easier.

If you see other vehicles on the road around you with ice and snow on their hoods and roofs, keep more distance between your vehicle and those cars. Keeping further back can help you avoid having accumulated snow or ice from another vehicle fly off and hit your windshield. If you can’t see another vehicle’s roof because of snow or ice or a tractor-trailer, stay far back and only pass when it’s safe to do so.

Black Ice

Black ice is an especially dangerous hazard during the winter months. It is dangerous because black ice is thin and difficult to see while also being extremely slick. Black ice forms when moisture freezes during the night when temperatures fall. Light rain or snow can result in black ice coating the roads. It can also be present on the roads at any time of the day, but it is especially likely to be present during the mornings and evenings.

When you drive, take extra time when stopping, turning, or accelerating. If black ice is present, braking can be harder. You can lose control of your car, spin around, crash into another car, or slide through an intersection on black ice. Drive slowly and always leave extra space between your vehicle and the one traveling in front of you. On the ice, it can take 10 times longer to completely stop your vehicle. If your car is heavier, it will take more time. You don’t have to drive the posted maximum speed limit and should only drive as fast as what is safe for the weather and road conditions.

Wrong Tires

The condition of your tires is very important during the winter. Check your tires to see how much tread they have. If your tires are bald or have worn tread, you should replace them. Even if your tires are in good shape, it’s a good idea to use snow tires during the winter. Put on your car’s set of snow tires before the first snow, and take them off following the last one. If you do this, you can reuse your snow tires for multiple winters.

Talk to an Attorney

If you are injured in an accident caused by someone driving unsafely despite the winter driving hazards, you should reach out to the experienced lawyers at Ellis & Associates. Our attorneys can review what happened and explain the legal remedies that might be available. Call us today for a free consultation at 800-MR-ELLIS.

P.S. You might also be interested in learning more about slip and fall accidents on the snow and ice.