MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota. With autumn in full swing and with the days getting cooler and shorter, it is important to consider the impact weather events have on driving safety. Snow storms and ice storms can lead to slick roads that can put more drivers at risk of serious injury accidents. According to the Weather Channel, weather-related car accidents result in more deaths than deaths due to hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding combined. In fact, approximately 22 percent of car accidents occur due to dangerous weather events. Approximately 5,900 people die each year from car accidents related to weather. The yearly average for weather-related deaths (tornadoes, hurricanes, lightning, flooding, and heat) is approximately 375 each year.
What leads to weather-related accidents? According to the Weather Channel, wet pavement, rain, snow, sleet, icy roads, and fog all contribute to accidents that result in personal injury and death. When conditions change rapidly, drivers are most at risk. For instance, a sudden heavy snowfall can result in snow-covered roads that result in dangerous driving conditions. When drivers don’t pull over when heavy fog or rain sets in, accidents can occur.
At the end of the day, safety is everyone’s responsibility. As the season changes and the holidays approach, drivers should remember weather safety before they head out. Check the weather reports before driving and, if the weather looks poor, consider changing your route, or consider staying home. Check your tires and take your car in for a tune up before taking any long holiday drives. Pack a weather safety emergency kit.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, every car should be packed with a winter survival safety kit. This kit should include the following items:
- Candles
- Matches
- Pencil and paper
- Plastic garbage bag
- Whistle
- Safety pins
- Snacks (chocolate, food bars, and other non-perishable foods)
- Phone adapter for your lighter
- Flashlight
- Spare batteries
- Booster cables
- Shovel
- Sand, cat litter, or grit
- Tow cables or chain
- Blankets or sleeping bag
- Extra sweater
- Change of clothes
- Road flares
Getting stranded in your car in the winter can be a dangerous situation. When it is cold, individuals who aren’t prepared may be tempted to walk and get help, but the safest thing to do is to stay inside your car, stay warm, make phone calls for help, and wait for help to arrive.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety advises drivers to turn on their lights in poor weather, increase distance between their vehicle and other cars, turn slowly, and avoid slippery areas of the road when safe and possible.
There are many things drivers can do to stay safe this winter. Yet, when drivers don’t take precautions, accidents and injuries can happen. Insurance can cover many damages, but not all of them. The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino is a personal injury lawyer who offers legal counsel to car accident victims in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our firm can help you collect money for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Visit https://martinmontilino.com/ today to learn more.