Beware of Atlanta Winter Road Hazards

By Grant Law Office on January 10, 2022

When winter storms hit Georgia, they can make driving conditions hazardous on local roads. Snow and freezing rain can quickly turn roadways into slick, icy surfaces. High winds can down trees and cause traffic signals to go out, making driving around town even more treacherous. It is best to stay at home during a winter storm if you are able. If you must go out, be aware of the winter road hazards in Atlanta.

Accidents and Injuries in Winter Weather Driving Conditions

Winter weather road accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, the worst of which are fatal. Drivers and passengers can suffer serious injuries when loss of traction causes cars and trucks to slide off the road or into other vehicles or stationary objects. Vehicles require more time and distance to stop on snow, sleet, or ice.

Many winter weather accidents are preventable. Major contributing factors include:

• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Following too closely
• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Bald tires or poor vehicle maintenance

Essential vs. Nonessential Travel

If you must leave the house during a winter storm for work or for an emergency, take extra care and stay alert to potential hazards. Otherwise, stay at home until the roads clear. Rather than running to the store for a nonessential item, wait until the storm passes and the roads are clear. Many winter accidents happen close to home. Even if you can maintain control of your vehicle, another driver may hit a patch of ice, go into a spin, and come crashing into you. It is much safer to stay where you are unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.

Driving Safer in Winter Weather

If you must go out during a winter storm or when the roads are snowy or icy, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Get your car ready for winter: Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread. Check your antifreeze, washer fluid, wipers, and battery and replace them if needed.
• Pack emergency supplies: Make sure you have water, food, blankets, a flashlight, a cell phone and charger. a scraper, broom, shovel, and a bag of sand or kitty litter, in case you get stuck.
• Slow down: Reduce your speed significantly if the roads are slick or visibility is poor. You need more time to react and more distance to slow down or stop.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. This can help you gain traction and avoid skidding.
• Do not stop while going up a snow-covered hill. You may not be able to get going again. Neither should you give your car extra gas — it will only make your wheels spin. Try to build up a little speed on a flatter area before you start up the hill and let inertia carry you up.
• Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your attention on operating the vehicle. There is never a good time for distracted driving, but particularly not on hazardous winter roads.
• Keep a distance. Maintain as much distance as you can between your vehicle and other cars on the road.

Even when you take extra precautions, you may not be able to avoid a car accident in hazardous winter weather conditions. If you or your loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident, call Grant Law Office at (404) 995-3955. Our husband and wife team of Atlanta personal injury lawyers have a history of success for our clients. Our firm has been named among the Best Law Firms in Atlanta by U.S. News & World Report.