The falling snow may be pretty to look at from the windows, but those who are trudging through the snow, either on foot or on the road, understand the dangers involved with the snow. The weather affects not only road conditions but our reaction time to those changing conditions as well, and those who are unable to respond appropriately may cause tragic car accidents.
Such a situation recently occurred in Ohio, where 50 cars were involved in a multi-vehicle chain reaction crash in which at least 20 people were injured, with 3 facing serious injuries. As the first car stopped in its lane, the other vehicles either rear-ended the car in front of them or collided with oncoming traffic as they swerved in order to avoid hitting the vehicle in front.
Around 22 percent of all traffic accidents are weather related. As per the U.S. Department of Safety, a weather-related accident is one which takes place during adverse weather or on slick pavement. This can be because of snowy or icy conditions. Technically, snow causes freeway speeds to reduce, from anywhere between 3 to 13 percent of the average speed. That means if vehicles do not reduce their speed to accommodate changing road conditions and the flow of traffic, they run the risk of colliding with the vehicle in front of them.
As heavy snow falls, life must go on. But, this doesn’t mean that people should disregard the safety of others and drive negligently. In addition to driving responsibly, Ohio residents should also consider reducing their speed and engaging in other safe behavior that could ensure the lives of others are not put at risk during the holiday season. If someone is injured in a car crash, they might be able to hold the negligent party responsible for their careless behavior.
