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Understanding how to stay safe while traveling in adverse weather

On Behalf of | Oct 31, 2019 | Firm News

With cooler climates settling in, the concept of having to travel along Illinois roads during adverse weather conditions is a likelihood you might soon encounter. While you may feel it best to avoid hitting the open road during icy or snowy conditions, such a preference might not always be a possibility.

Should your plans for the day require you to operate a vehicle during adverse conditions, understanding how to stay safe in inclement weather is likely in your best interests. Unfortunately, you also share these roads with others, some of whom might not approach the situation with the same level of caution.

Driving in winter weather

The presence of adverse weather may alter your ability to safely operate a vehicle in various ways and adjusting driving behaviors to accommodate the situation could prove imperative. Some tips to help you stay safe while traveling in snowy or icy weather conditions may include:

  • Know your vehicle’s limits: Understanding your vehicle’s capabilities and limits when it comes to traveling in adverse weather could play an integral role in making informed choices about your safety.
  • Leave early: If you must drive during icy or snowy weather, allowing additional time to reach your destination will likely be in your best interests, as attempting to rush during similar conditions can be dangerous.
  • Speed as an issue: Slowing down to accommodate current conditions may also be imperative, as it becomes significantly more difficult to safely operate a vehicle in inclement weather.
  • Additional space: Allowing additional space between your vehicle and others nearby may provide sufficient time for you to react to a variety of potentially hazardous scenarios.

The risk of collisions inherently increases during times of adverse weather, especially in the presence of negligence. Should another party’s actions cause a collision to occur, the incident could pose a significant threat to your well-being.

When collisions occur

Suffering severe injuries in a major accident can be a scary and stressful experience that could leave you with extensive medical bills and facing a long road to recovery. Following the crash, you could be wondering about your available legal options, but navigating the civil justice system can be a complex process. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this alone, and by consulting with someone with experience in such matters, you could find yourself in a better position to pursue the restitution you deserve through a personal injury claim.

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