A Christmas Eve car accident in Cincinnati has resulted in serious injuries. The car accident occurred last Thursday at approximately 6:55 a.m. in the 4400 block of Glenway Avenue when a vehicle veered left of center and hit another car.
The driver of a 2007 Honda Odyssey, Sherry Smith, 39, was traveling west on Glenway Avenue when she lost control of her vehicle on a curve and swerved left of center, hitting a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Smith was not injured and a passenger in her car, Demaris Walker, sustained minor injuries. However, the other driver, Gladys Hutcheson, 58, was hospitalized at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center with serious injuries. Her passenger, Gail Duncan, 65, also sustained serious injuries.
Smith, Walker and Hutcheson were wearing seatbelts, but police have not confirmed if Duncan was as well. Factors in the crash appear to be excessive speed and impairment.
How adverse weather conditions impact road safety
The winter months bring in weather conditions that can severely affect a driver’s response time and ability to maneuver affectively. Precipitation, extreme temperatures and high winds can cause visibility impairment and reduced traction, and affect vehicle performance.
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), on average over 418,000 people are killed annually due to weather-related accidents, including nearly 5,000 fatalities. Wet pavement is responsible for 70% of these crashes, and 18% occur during snow and sleet.
On highways, heavy rain can reduce average speed by up to 16%, and heavy snow can reduce speed by up to 40%.
Preparing for winter driving
It is important to keep in mind several important tips for driving safely in the winter months:
- Check the weather report before going out. If a storm is forecast, minimize travel time, and if you must go out, be prepared.
- Maintain your vehicle. Do regular tune ups, including tire pressure checks and oil changes, and clear the car of ice and snow before heading out.
- Drive slowly.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s distracted or reckless driving, it can be devastating and life changing. It is important to have an experienced personal injury attorney who will fight for you to get the compensation for your injuries and medical expenses that you deserve.
