Hazardous Winter Conditions
Injuries happen more frequently in the winter due to seasonal weather conditions. With the irregular weather we have been experiencing, it’s important to prepare for various weather situations. Our winters have been getting shorter and warmer with sporadic snowfall if any. Regardless, you never know what mother nature will hit us with. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to have a safe winter during extremely hazardous winter conditions.
Operating vehicles
More than 10% of car crashes happen during the winter months nationwide. With the combination of rain, snow, and temperatures under 40 degrees, roads become far more hazardous than usual. Rain in cold weather freezes over and can turn into black ice. Black ice is extremely dangerous because you can’t see it, but it is very slippery. When operating a vehicle, it’s important to drive slow especially for this reason. Snow can also be a winter hazard. Luckily, most towns have access to a general plow service that will clean snow off the road then salt over it to ensure roads are safe for driving. It’s recommended to invest in winter tires that have a deeper tread strengthening the tire’s grip on the road. Another product that is considered essential to have in your vehicle during the winter is an ice scraper for your window. Fully cleaning off your window of snow and ice quickly and efficiently requires more than a defroster vent. Scrapping off the layers with an ice scraper will ensure your vehicle is clear of snow and ice, providing proper visibility on the road.
Slip-and-Fall
Slip and Falls are a very common type of personal injury and can spike during the wintertime. Slip and falls occur when someone falls due to a trip hazard, either in a public place or private property. The basic components of a slip and fall include:
1.) The physical injury
2.) The trip hazards
3.) Person who is held accountable
The physical injury describes the exact trauma to the body as a result of the slip and fall. Medical records must be analyzed by your attorney to understand the medical costs associated with the victim’s treatment. The trip hazard is the actual object or hazard that caused the victim to fall and sustain injuries. This aspect must be looked at to determine if the hazard qualifies as a proper trip hazard. Lastly, someone must take responsibility for the incident that occurred.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, slip and fall fatalities are nearly equally divided between men and women. However, more women will experience a slip-and-fall accident. While this sample of statistics shows women being affected more frequently, we know in general elderly populations are prime slip and fall victims due to the injuries and fatalities associated with an elderly slip and fall.
Prevention
Weather conditions can be unexpected making it difficult to prepare for hazardous weather. The best plan is to ensure you are stocked up on candles, water, canned foods, first aid, batteries and whatever else you may need to ride out a winter storm inside your home. Prevent any injuries this winter by keeping all walkways clear. Salt the outside of your property to melt any black ice or snow away.
Unfortunately, regardless of the number of steps taken to prepare for these conditions, there are times when things just happen. Accidents and injuries pertaining to vehicle collisions, slip and falls, and overall hazardous weather conditions are all too common during the upcoming months. If you are someone who has suffered any trauma from a weather-induced vehicle accident or personal injury, get the legal help you need to get through these difficult times. Having a good set of legal specialists to work through your case can make all the difference. Rob Levine & Associates specializes in various fields of law and can get you the justice you deserve. Contact Rob Levine & Associates for more information today!
