A head-on crash during a recent snow storm in White Plains, NY, proved deadly after a driver dodged a snow barricade by driving on the wrong side of the road, according to MyFoxNY.com. The car accident killed three people in the wrong-way vehicle and sent one to the hospital. The driver of the second vehicle was also hospitalized with a concussion and lacerations.
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were dangerous, producing heavy snow, slick roads and low visibility that tied up traffic throughout the Northeast, caused widespread power outages and led to at least four other weather-related traffic deaths.
Preparation and Caution Help Drivers Tackle Rough Winter Conditions
Winds, temperatures and precipitation can combine quickly in winter to create hazardous conditions for drivers on New York roads. Staying safe on the road requires vigilance, awareness and caution at all times. The Automobile Association of America (AAA) urges drivers to take these steps to successfully navigate winter driving challenges:
- Before setting off, make sure your vehicle is in top operating condition with plenty of gas in the tank. Keep a safety kit with blankets, food and water in your car - and don't forget your cell phone.
- Drive slowly on snowy streets whether you're turning, stopping or accelerating.
- To avoid a skid on icy roads, take your time when speeding up or slowing down.
- Double your following distance from four to eight seconds - or even 10 - to protect yourself during a quick stop.
- Do not use cruise control when driving on slippery surfaces.
- Roll slowly toward an approaching traffic light, rather than coming to a full stop, if possible. Maintaining forward motion helps you climb hills without spinning or fishtailing.
- Speaking of hills, never stop in the middle of a hill. Get some momentum going at the bottom and then climb steadily.
- When braking is required, threshold breaking - firm, steady pressure applied with the ball of your foot with your heel on the floor - works best.
- If you get stuck in the snow, stay with your vehicle and tie a cloth to the antenna to signal distress.
The best advice of all is to avoid driving in hazardous weather. But sometimes driving in hazardous conditions is unavoidable - as are accidents that occur while driving in these treacherous conditions. If you have been injured in a car accident by another driver not taking adequate precautions, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today to be advised of your rights and options.
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