Cold Weather Conditions Increase Risk for Accidents
The early weeks of 2018 have brought record breaking winter storms, with freezing cold temperatures and heavy ice and snow accumulations. Unfortunately, with spring still long away, this trend does not appear to be ending anytime soon. These types of conditions make driving more treacherous, along with making slip and fall accidents more likely to occur. Both have the potential to cause, serious and in some cases, life threatening personal injuries.
Weather-Related Car Accidents
Strong cold fronts have been sweeping through Salina since the start of the new year. These weather systems bring a mix of both rain and snow accumulation, making icy roads a major concern. The Federal Highway Administration reports that adverse weather conditions are a leading cause of car accidents and injuries, responsible for nearly a quarter of the estimated six million crashes each year.
Nearly 500,000 drivers and passengers are injured annually in weather-related car accidents. Roughly a third of these occur during periods of freezing rain and snow, which create the following dangers on the roads:
- Poor tire traction, due to wet, slushy pavement and black ice or snow on road surfaces;
- Poor visibility, both in terms of ice or snow covered windshields and increased glare from the headlights of other vehicles;
- Poor maneuverability, in terms of steering, changing lanes, and making turns;
- Poor vehicle performance, which includes increased maintenance issues that make sudden breakdowns more likely to occur.
To protect yourself during the cold weather months, it is important to have your vehicle regularly maintained. Pack an emergency kit in your car just in case, and check weather conditions before heading out on trips.
Slip and Fall Accidents
In addition to creating dangers for drivers on the road, snow and ice make slip and fall accidents more likely as well. Whether you are walking on outdoor sidewalks or in stores, restaurants, shopping malls, and office buildings, it is important to be aware of the potential hazards that exist.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), slips and falls are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, and even a minor fall could end up leaving you with serious damages. Common types of injuries that occur due to slips and falls include:
- Soft tissue injuries, such as muscle or tendon strains, sprains, and tears;
- Broken bones and hairline fractures;
- Back and neck injuries, including whiplash and slipped or herniated disks;
- Head injuries, including concussion, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
These injuries can occur anywhere wet, slippery, or icy conditions exist. If you suffer a slip and fall, even if you think it is minor or are not experiencing symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Contact Us Today for Help
If you have been injured in a car accident or due to a slip and fall, you may be entitled to compensation. Call or contact Neustrom & Associates online today to request a consultation to see how our Salina personal injury attorneys can assist you.