Seasonal Risks to Be Aware Of
Fall in New York is beautiful. And, as winter rolls in, we find that first snowfall of the year magical. However, with the change of seasons also comes an increased risk of car accidents and injuries. Bad weather combined with shorter, darker days can create incredibly serious road hazards.
Common fall and winter road hazards include the following:
- Rain
- Wind
- Snow
- Ice
- Debris in the road
Another major road hazard is increased traffic from out-of-town drivers. As the holidays approach, more people come to the city to visit family and friends. These drivers are frequently unfamiliar with NYC streets and traffic laws. This can make these drivers unpredictable and more prone to accidents.
Common causes of car accidents during the holiday season:
- Increased traffic
- Increased rate of DUIs
- Increased pedestrian traffic
- Increased tourism
Dealing with increased traffic and the associated risks doesn’t have to be stressful. Below we’ve provided some helpful tips for avoiding car accidents this fall and winter and what to do if you or a loved one has been injured.
Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents
Though you cannot control the other drivers on the road, being more aware of your surroundings can go a long way in preventing auto accidents. In fact, distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents across the country. Acknowledging how easy it is to become distracted while driving is your first step in preventing these types of accidents. Then you can begin taking action to limit and remove distractions while you are driving.
Ways to reduce distractions while driving:
- Set up your navigation system before hitting the road
- Avoid taking calls while driving, even hands-free
- Never text and drive
- Do not try to reach for something in another seat unless parked
- Avoid eating and drinking while driving
- Keep the radio at a reasonable volume, and never wear headphones while driving
Passengers are another major distraction for drivers, whether it’s a friend in the passenger seat or your young children in the back seat. If your child or other passenger needs help with something, pull over. You can also enlist your passenger’s help in keeping you focused while driving. For example, ask your driver to navigate or change the radio station. This enables you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
For more tips on avoiding a car accident, review our blog.
Get Help After an Accident
Unfortunately, even when drivers and passengers prioritize safety, accidents still happen, and people are injured daily. Car accidents can be devastating, especially when someone suffers catastrophic injuries or is killed. In these situations, knowing where to turn or what to do can be difficult. If you are feeling overwhelmed and scared, you are not alone.
After a car accident, you should always seek medical attention and report your accident to law enforcement. Once you have seen to your and your loved one’s medical needs, it is recommended that you also speak with an experienced personal injury attorney, like ours, at Koenigsberg & Associates Law Offices. If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you might have grounds to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for your injuries.
Send us a message online to find out if you have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit. We are standing by to help you with your case today.