Pennsylvania residents probably wouldn’t be surprised that terrible road conditions in our area made national news, but it turns out Pennsylvania was actually ranked the second most dangerous state in the country for winter driving.
40% of weather-related vehicle accidents take place in ice or snow and Pennsylvania averages 40 fatalities on the road during the winter months each year.
While these statistics might make you want to hibernate, chances are you will have to hit the road at some point this winter in less than ideal conditions. Be sure to look out for careless drivers and be alert for anyone losing control of their vehicle. You can’t control the actions of other drivers but here are some things about your own driving and vehicle preparation that you can control.
- Never try to pass a salt truck or any vehicle with a plow- their weight makes them hard to stop and difficult to maneuver.
- Check the tread on your tires and make sure they are fully inflated before heading out in wintry conditions.
- Make sure your lights are in good working order as you’ll be using them more in the dark afternoon hours.
- Clear snow and ice off your car so it doesn’t present a hazard to you or other drivers while you are on the road.
- Always follow weather and travel advisories to find the safest routes and stay off the road when you shouldn’t be driving.
But even if you follow all safety precautions, accidents still happen. 100,000 people are injured in winter accidents every year. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact us for a free consultation.
