The time from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day is one of the deadliest on Virginia roads, a period that typically sees more fatalities than the entire rest of the year.  What causes this spike in serious car crashes?  Most of the time, it is drunk drivers and unsafe drivers.

 

How do negligent drivers contribute to serious winter driving accidents?

  • Drive on worn or inappropriate tires.  One surefire way to cause an accident is to let vehicle tires wear to the point that they no longer maintain adequate traction on the road.  This is especially dangerous when winter weather conditions are at their worst.  When there is snow and ice on the ground, a good set of snow tires can make all the difference, but some people don’t realize that they are driving in summer tires that do not handle well in inclement winter weather.
  • Drive two-wheel drive vehicles in dangerous conditions.  During a blizzard, some drivers will still venture out in their two-wheel drives vehicles, impeding the progress of snow plows and putting themselves and others in dangers.  If the roads are really bad and the police that only four-wheel drive vehicles should be on the road, some dangerous drivers will ignore these warnings.
  • Speed.  Speeding is always dangerous, no matter the time of year.  However, it is especially dangerous in the winter, when snow, black ice, slick roads and hidden hazards make driving especially problematic.  Excess speed combined with risky road conditions can lead to a major collision.
  • Drink and drive.  This one should be obvious, but every day drivers get behind the wheel when they’ve had too much to drink, a decision that can take the life of an innocent person.  With holiday parties in full swing during the winter season, drunk drivers become an even bigger menace on Virginia roads.
  • Tailgate.  Drivers who drive too close to the car in front of them risk a rear-end collision if the front driver has to brake or maneuver suddenly.  There simply isn’t enough room to stop or move if a driver is tailgating.
  • Fail to clean windshield and windows.  Vehicle windows and windshields can become very dirty in the winter, as ice, mud and dirt collect, obscuring the driver’s vision.  Some people do not clean their windows adequately, and as a result their visibility is limited which can contribute to an accident.

 

If you are involved in a serious car crash in Virginia and need the help of an attorney, then we can help.  Please contact the lawyers at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas at one of their Virginia locations.  One of their experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys will discuss your case with you for no cost or obligation.

 

DULANEY, LAUER & THOMAS, LLP

 

Warrenton Office

98 Alexandria Pike, Suite 11

Warrenton, VA 20186

Toll Free: 888.907.2631

Local: 540.349.2631

 

Culpeper Office

209 N. West Street

Culpeper, VA 22701

Toll Free: 800.741.1012

Local: 540.825.6046

Andrew Thomas
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Civil litigation attorney in Virginia and is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

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