Why Driving Slowly is Critical When it is Snowing
The speed limits posted throughout Pottsville, the State of Pennsylvania, and the nation at large represent the highest legal speed under ideal driving conditions. When conditions are less than perfect, motorists must reduce their speeds, and snow makes our roadways particularly dangerous. If another driver’s failure to slow down in response to snow leaves you injured in a car accident, an experienced Pottsville car accident attorney at Fanelli, Evans & Patel is well prepared to help.
How Snow Creates Dangerous Driving Conditions
There are several essential reasons motorists must slow down when it is snowing or when there is snow on our roadways.
Reduced Tire Traction and Road Friction
When snow is falling and accumulating on the road, or melting, it reduces the friction between our tires and the road surface. This can lead to all the following:
- Steering becomes more difficult
- Coming to a safe stop can be far more challenging
- Accelerating is riskier
- The associated danger is amplified when changing lanes or leaving the roadway
The only safe response to snow when you’re behind the wheel is slowing down, putting on your wipers as needed, turning on your headlights, only changing lanes when necessary, and leaving plenty of distance between yourself and other drivers.
How Snow Impacts Visibility and Reaction Time
Snow also reduces visibility, making it harder to detect obstacles and other drivers ahead. Your speed should accurately reflect the distance you can see ahead. In white-out conditions, for example, the only safe option is carefully making your way off the road. Otherwise, you should reduce your speed in accordance with forward visibility by treating the distance you can see like the distance between your own car and another driver’s.
Increased Risk of Losing Vehicle Control
When you are traveling on a dry, well-maintained roadway on a mild, sunny day, you are very unlikely to lose control of your vehicle. When it is snowing, however, all bets are off, and your vehicle is far more likely to spin out, fishtail, skid, or seemingly float across the slippery road of its own accord.
In fact, even very experienced drivers are no match for the dangerously unpredictable effects of snow. Again, safe options are limited to slowing down, avoiding lane changes, and knowing when to end the trip. By slowing down, you increase the time you have to make safe driving choices, which bolsters your control over your vehicle.
Speak With a Pottsville Car Accident Lawyer Today
The seasoned Pottsville car accident attorneys at Fanelli, Evans & Patel have the experience, resources, and drive to help guide your claim toward an advantageous resolution that supports your most complete recovery. Our well-respected legal team is here to help, and we appreciate the chance to do so. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting or calling us at 570-622-2455 today.