Road Traffic Accidents in the Winter

Severe winter weather causes very dangerous road conditions and greatly increases the risk of road traffic accidents. Weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, snow, sleet and blizzards can reduce visibility and ice on the road can create a very dangerous road surface. Although most drivers will reduce their speed in these conditions and be considerate to other drivers, there will be a few drivers who do not adjust their speed and distances for the road conditions. If another driver behaves in this way and they are involved in a road traffic accident, they may be held to have been driving recklessly or negligently and they could find themselves liable in a compensation claim.

To help avoid road traffic accidents in the winter you should:

• Be aware of other drivers at all times. You should check mirrors frequently to ensure there is no one trying to overtake you and also keep an eye on the person in front incase they skid on black ice. This will avoid you crashing into the back of them and will also give you an indication of road surfaces ahead.
• You should only drive if you can see ahead of you. If the snow, sleet or fog becomes too thick and your vision is significantly impaired you should pull over to avoid road traffic accidents.
• You should reduce your speed significantly. This means that if you skid, the chances of sustaining a personal injury are kept to a minimum.
• You should increase the distance between yourself and the car in front of you. This means that if they skid you have time to break and if you skid you have time to get back in control of your vehicle. This will avoid road traffic accidents due to skidding.

Before leaving the house it is very important to check the weather forecast. If bad weather is predicted it is a good idea to take busier roads as they are more likely to be gritted and will be safer than county roads. It is also important to clear your windscreen so that you can see clearly and you should check that you have defrosting fluid in the car at all times. It is also very important to check that your brakes, lights and heater work before you set off. This is very important especially when driving in severe weather conditions as it could be the difference between a safe journey and a fatal road traffic accident.

If you have been involved in a road traffic accident that was not your fault, call our accident compensation solicitors on 0800 0891331 and we will investigate the road traffic accident for you and advise you on your first steps to receiving the compensation you deserve on a No Win No Fee basis.

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