Avoiding car accidents takes special care in cold, snowy Delaware winter

On behalf of Gary Nitsche

This has already been one of the coldest, snowiest winters in recent memory in Delaware. Motorists across the state have been facing special challenges, and there is no end in sight. Only by giving their undivided attention to the road and exercising safe winter driving practices can drivers prevent car accidents in the hazardous conditions.

After only a light dusting on February 8, another heavy dousing of snow began falling in Delaware the afternoon of Sunday, February 9. By Monday morning when the snow stopped, Delaware State Troopers had responded to more than 65 motor vehicle crashes. Nearly half of these occurred in New Castle County alone, according to the Delaware State Police.

DelDOT crews have been giving it their all to keep the roads clear and safe. In fact, the Delaware Department of Transportation has already spent almost $10 million this winter on storm cleanup efforts. The 65,000 tons of salt laid down on Delaware roads by DelDOT so far this winter cost $4 million, and other expenses include overtime (8,500 hours of it thus far), fuel and equipment.

But, however hard DelDOT crews work, they cannot keep the roads as pristine as they would be in a warmer season. There will always be dangers associated with winter driving, and addressing these dangers is the responsibility of the individual motorist.

Perhaps most importantly, and most obviously, drivers need to leave extra room for stopping in the winter as slippery conditions can greatly increase stopping distance. This includes leaving extra room when following behind another vehicle on the highway, even if no stopping is anticipated. Taking proper precautionary measures is also essential for safe winter driving. This means having the right tires without worn down treads. Because impaired visibility can be more of a problem in the winter, it also entails replacing old wiper blades, topping up windshield washer fluid and ensuring that defrosters are fully functional.

Winter driving can be a challenge, particularly in a winter like this one in which Delaware has been repeatedly hammered by serious snow and ice storms. But, challenging conditions do not negate a driver's duty to operate his or her vehicle in as safe a manner as possible, and when drivers are not safe, accidents happen.

Whatever the weather is like, if another driver's negligence causes you to suffer harm in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation from that driver or from his or her insurer. If you've been injured in a car crash, or if you have lost a family member, get in touch with a Delaware personal injury attorney today. Your lawyer can ensure that you get the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.