Blizzard-like and icy conditions sometimes take North Carolina drivers by surprise during the late fall and winter months. But new safety technologies, such as traction control capabilities, that are used properly, and some commonsense precautions may reduce driving and accident risks in inclement weather. This is why the National Safety Council is making an effort to educate drivers by stressing the importance of being as prepared as possible when getting behind the wheel in winter.
Checking the forecast before driving and properly warming up vehicles are some of the steps the NSC recommends. The most effective way to avoid car accidents is if drivers simply stay put when dicey driving conditions are expected. if this isn’t possible, the NSC advises that motorists inform a friend or loved one of their intended destinations and expected arrival time before leaving. In the event that a driver is stranded, the nonprofit group recommends he or she check the exhaust pipe for blockage and light emergency flares near the vehicle.
Proactive winter preparations drivers can take include having their vehicles thoroughly checked by mechanics to evaluate such components as brakes, tire wear, air pressure and battery life. If visibility is severely impaired, the NSC urges motorists to pull off the road and wait for conditions to improve. Not mixing radial tires with other tire types; not using the parking brake or cruise control in cold, rainy, icy, and snowy conditions; using anti-lock brakes if available; and watching acceleration/deceleration speeds are some of the winter crash avoidance tips AAA offers.
Winter car accidents in the Tar Heel State are sometimes no one’s fault. However, if negligence on the part of another driver may have been involved, a lawyer might be able to identify responsible parties. In some cases, a vehicle’s manufacturer could be held liable if safety features that were employed, such as anti-lock brakes or traction control, failed to work properly. It’s also possible for passengers to pursue legal action if negligent actions by a driver contributed to an accident. Under the right circumstances, an attorney may be able to help clients secure appropriate compensation for the injuries they sustained.