With winter comes dangerous driving conditions, particularly in NYC. Black ice, heavy snowfall, roads that have not been cleared of snow and other bad driving conditions can all make it more difficult to control your vehicle and avoid an accident. According to the DOT, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes each year occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet. And not only is there snow and ice, but also fewer hours of daylight. Weather conditions can affect driver visibility and the ability to maneuver a vehicle, thus impairing driving ability.
There are some accidents that are unavoidable, and are a result of weather conditions, opposed to a driver’s actions. However, negligence is a complicated concept, and there are cases when there is provable fault of a driver. Negligence is defined as “A failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances.” Negligence can refer to actions, as well as omissions when there is duty to act in a particular way. All drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles as would a reasonable person in similar circumstances. This includes taking extra precautions when dangerous winter conditions arise to ensure safety on the road.
Some common examples of driver negligence in poor weather conditions include the following:
- Driving too fast in dangerous weather conditions
- Failing to use headlights
- Improper vehicle maintenance
- Failure to use windshield wipers when necessary
- Taking turns too quickly
- Failing to clear snow off the roof of a vehicle or its windows
- Following a vehicle too closely
- Distracted driving
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a negligent auto accident, contact us today at The Cochran Firm New York. Our team of dedicated team of personal injury attorneys will get the justice that is deserved.