Winter in Chicago is the perfect time for ice skating, snowy walks in the park, and other festive activities. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when heading out on the road can be riskier than usual, with inclement weather and other factors posing significant dangers. Below are some tips to stay safe on Chicago’s roads this chilly season and what to do if you’re involved in a winter car accident.
What Are the Risks of Winter Driving in Chicago?
One of the most effective ways you can prepare for winter driving is by understanding the potential dangers. Below are some of the most common causes of winter car accidents in Chicago.
Snow & Ice
Both snow and ice can reduce traction and make it harder to control your vehicle. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas are particularly treacherous, as ice can form on these surfaces faster than the rest of the road. Drivers who are not used to navigating these conditions are at greater risk, as they may make the mistake of slamming the brakes on slippery surfaces, leading them to lose control of their vehicle entirely.
Low Visibility
If you’re on the road when it’s actively snowing or windy, you’re likely to experience significantly low visibility. To make matters worse, daylight hours in Chicago are notoriously short, especially during wintertime. This can make it difficult to see road signs, lane markings, and other vehicles, and put you at risk for serious damage to your car, injury, or even death.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
If you’re planning to head out on the road during winter, but it’s been a while since your last tune-up, you’re likely putting yourself at even more risk. Bald tires, weak batteries, and worn-out windshield wipers can fail when you need them most, and if you have a headlight out in the middle of a snowstorm, you’re in for some serious trouble. Additionally, keep in mind that cold temperatures can reduce tire pressure and thicken fluids, affecting your car’s performance.
Inexperienced or Careless Drivers
While there are plenty of precautions you can take to make sure you’re prepared for driving in Chicago during winter, they won’t necessarily prevent another driver from putting you or others at risk. It’s impossible to predict how a driver who is mainly used to navigating the roads during warmer seasons will react to the challenges of winter driving.
Winter Driving Tips for Chicagoans
Now that we understand the primary risks involved with driving on Chicago’s snowy and icy roads, let’s go over a few ways to navigate these risks and mitigate weather-related crashes.
Prep Your Vehicle
Before winter fully sets in, it’s always a good idea to prepare your vehicle for the conditions that lie ahead. Typically, this starts with installing your snow tires and checking or replacing critical parts, such as brakes and windshield wipers. Additionally, don’t forget to stock an emergency kit with essentials like a flashlight, blankets, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, and non-perishable snacks in case you are in an accident or break down during freezing conditions.
Plan Your Trip
It’s frequently said of Chicago’s weather, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute.” What may seem like mild weather conditions one minute, can quickly turn into an aggressive storm. Mitigating your risk is as simple as looking at weather forecasts and road conditions on your phone, so always try and use this to your advantage when planning your route.
Practice Safe Driving
If you’ve never driven in winter conditions, there are several key things to remember. On slippery roads, you should reduce your speed to maintain control and increase your following distance to allow extra time for braking. Accelerate and decelerate gradually to avoid skidding, and use lower gears when driving on steep or icy roads. Keep both hands on the wheel and avoid abrupt lane changes. If you’re driving in particularly harsh conditions and you feel that you cannot safely navigate them, consider pulling over to a safe location and waiting for conditions to subside.
Know When to Stay Off the Road
In some cases, it’s better to stay home altogether if the weather becomes severe. If you absolutely must leave, consider whether you can get where you need to be using Chicago’s public transportation system or even by foot (with the appropriate attire).
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Winter Car Accident
If you experience a car crash during winter, the first step is to move your vehicle to a safe location, assuming you are able to do so. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and call for an ambulance if necessary.
Regardless of whether there are injuries or not, you’ll also need to contact the police and let them know about the accident. As temperature and wind chill are often severe during winter, it’s likely a good idea to wait in the vehicle while you wait for first responders to arrive. During this time, you should try to make your vehicle as visible as possible by setting up reflectors or road flares if you have them. Turn your engine off every once in a while to maintain gas. Additionally, periodically check your vehicle’s tailpipe to ensure it is free of snow or ice buildup, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
When law enforcement arrives, they will ask you and any other drivers to give their version of the event and document the scene. It is also advised that you do the same in case you need to file a suit. Take pictures of any damage or injuries that you sustained from the crash and make sure to seek a documented medical opinion for your injuries, even if they seem minor. Lastly, make sure to notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as you’re able to do so.
Injured in a Winter Car Crash? Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer at Power Rogers
If you’ve been hurt in a winter car accident that was caused by another driver, it’s important to have a lawyer on your side. Power Rogers has recovered over $5 billion in verdicts and settlements If you’d like to hear more about the level of representation that we can provide you with, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation.
