Every season has its unique challenges and safety hazards, but winter arguably has more than its fair share. Between cold temperatures, harsh weather, slippery conditions, and longer nights, there are plenty of factors that contribute to dangerous conditions when you venture beyond your front door. Based on the rates of injury claims, insurance providers know that certain types of accidents occur more frequently than others during winter. By arming yourself with that knowledge, you can understand what steps to take to help avoid those common accidents, reducing your family’s risk of injury during this harsh time of year.
Automotive Accidents
Unsurprisingly, motor vehicle accidents are a major contributor to incidences of serious injury during the winter, based on the rates of injury claims. Winter weather periodically covers the roads in snow, slush, and ice – and even when the plows come through and clear the streets, any water left behind by melting snow can easily freeze over again when temperatures drop at night. Days get shorter, and many commuters find that darkness has already fallen by the time they get out of work and need to drive home. Even during the few hours of daylight, the sun can create its own hazards, glaring off snow or sitting low on the horizon and interfering with a driver’s ability to see oncoming traffic.
With poor visibility conditions and slippery roads, advance preparation is a must for reducing your risk of accident. That preparation starts with proper vehicle maintenance: a good set of winter tires will help your vehicle maintain traction under slippery conditions. Take your car in to be serviced just before winter sets in to ensure that your brakes, lights, wipers, and other important safety features are working properly. Then, plan ahead when you have to go out. Check the weather and traffic reports, and choose the safest route to your destination. Build extra time into your travel plans, so you can arrive promptly without feeling rushed – winter auto accidents are often caused by driving faster than is safe for road conditions, or following another vehicle too closely to react to sudden changes. If weather conditions are particularly awful, consider rescheduling your plans entirely and staying at home.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Winter weather also poses additional dangers for pedestrian traffic, but for individuals on foot, the danger doesn’t end when you enter a building. Snow, rain, or mud tracked in on shoes and clothes can create slipping hazards on floors inside businesses and residences. Outside, of course, the cycles of changing temperature between day and night can freeze patches of snow-melt into dangerous black ice, and poorly maintained walkways might not even have been cleared of snow in the first place. These conditions offer far too many opportunities for a pedestrian to slip and fall, often sustaining injuries to the ankles or knees, to wrists and hands as the unlucky pedestrian tries to catch themselves, and in serious cases, concussion or other head injuries.
Reducing your risk of a slip and fall injury starts with choosing the right footwear. Robust winter boots with good treads will provide better traction and help you keep your footing in slippery conditions. Choose your path carefully, when possible walking only on sidewalks and roads that have been cleared of snow, ice, and water; have been spread with sand or salt to improve traction; and are properly lit. When entering a building, knock any clinging snow off your shoes and clothes before crossing the threshold, or on mats provided. And crucially, stay alert while walking across wet or snowy areas: avoid the temptation to look at your phone until you have safely reached your destination.
Winter Sporting Accidents
For many of us, winter weather isn’t all gloom and poor driving conditions – it can also open up opportunities for play. Kids and adults alike enjoy winter sports, and activities such as sledding, skating, skiing, and snowboarding are excellent ways to enjoy the winter weather. However, these sports carry risks of their own with the potential to cause serious injury, including broken bones and brain trauma. While these risks cannot be completely erased, you can take steps to minimize the danger while still having plenty of fun. Everyone participating in the activity should be dressed appropriately for the temperature and weather, and should wear all necessary protective gear – including a helmet where applicable – making sure the protective equipment fits properly. Stay in groups so help is close at hand, and follow all safety rules and guidelines. If you’re at a ski resort or other commercial or public recreation space, follow all instructions provided and stay within the marked areas for use. Every participant should be aware of their own skill level and exercise due caution when exploring the limits of their athletic abilities.
Contact MyNJInjuryLawyer Howard P. Lesnik
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in an accident in NJ, you should contact an attorney familiar with handling these claims. An experienced NJ Injury Lawyer will know how to obtain medical records, videos, photographs, experts, locate witnesses and contact the insurance company so you can make a claim for your injuries.
My NJ Injury Lawyer Howard P. Lesnik, Esq. offers complimentary strategy sessions to address any issue or questions you may have for your injury claim in NJ.
Please contact NJ Injury Lawyer Howard Lesnik, Esq., immediately if you were involved in an accident. I personally handle NJ personal injury cases on a regular basis. Please contact me now by email, by phoning 908.264.7701, or by completing the form to the right to schedule your complimentary 30-minute strategy session. Call me direct and I will answer 5 questions that you have about your potential claim.
