At Jones & Swanson, we often write about automobile safety and provide tips for Georgia drivers to prevent crashes on metro-Atlanta roads and highways. As the seasons change, the appropriate safety tips to keep in mind also evolve. This evolution is due to the varying types of weather that we experience in the southeastern states, such as Georgia.
This Thanksgiving, north Georgia is expected to experience snow and freezing rain. The dangerous winter weather is estimated to being at approximately 7 PM tonight and last until early Thursday morning. Areas such as Dahlonega, Jasper, and Rabun County are preparing for the worst of this winter storm. Fortunately, Atlanta is far enough south that we oftentimes miss out on snow and ice storms, but it is smart to know what to do in case the cold winter weather extends into the metro-Atlanta area.
Contrary to popular belief, icy roads are not always obvious. The white, snow packed areas of roadway are not typically as dangerous in winter weather. This may be because drivers see the oncoming danger and have enough time to slow down. The dangerous conditions usually exist when ice is present due to freezing precipitation. This is because icy roads look much like wet roads, so drivers do not have much warning before striking slick patches of ice.
It’s not just careless drivers who wreck during the winter season, either. Many times automobile crashes are caused by drivers who are traveling within the speed limit and who are being careful behind the wheel. When black ice is present, there’s not much one can do to prevent a crash.
The best safety tip that we can provide to you for this winter season is to stay off Georgia roads when icy weather is in the forecast. Other winter driving safety tips include:
- Make sure your tires have a deep tread on them. Old or worn out tires are very dangerous when combined with wet and icy conditions.
- Install new windshield wiper blades so that you can see clearly in a winter storm.
- Frost and condensation can be removed from inside winders by running the air-conditioning on the fresh air option in your vehicle. The temperature can be hot, but defrosting is much easier when you use this method.
- Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s brakes so that you know how to use them if an emergency arises. It’s not always smart to stomp on the brake when you encounter icy winter conditions.
At Jones & Swanson, we represent victims of Georgia car wrecks regularly. Icy and wet winter weather conditions oftentimes cause these crashes in which one vehicle strikes another and causes injuries within. We hope that if all Georgia drivers use more caution when behind the wheel this winter, fewer injuries as a result of car crashes will occur.
Unfortunately, winter auto wrecks are inevitable. If you or a loved one experience serious injuries after being involved in a car crash in which you were not at fault, you may have a legal claim to compensation for hospital bills, missed days of work, pain and suffering, and more. For more information on what to do following a Marietta car crash, contact our attorneys today at (770) 427-5498. We’re here to help.
Categories: Auto Accidents
