For sports fans, this weekend is made for snowstorms. Oh by the way, another swath of storms is expected through the end of the week. So if you are poised to sit on the couch and watch college basketball, hockey games, and Super Bowl XLIX, no one is going to be upset with you.
However, there are those who are going to brave the roads and travel this weekend. For those hearty souls, this post is for you.
We have posted about the dangers of winter driving, and this weekend deserves a reminder of not only the duty to drive with reasonable care, but also of the common hazards that can arise. Essentially, when driving conditions deteriorate, it is imperative that drivers slow down. The reasons are simple. By reducing speed, a driver reduces the likelihood of losing control of his or her vehicle after hitting a patch of ice. Also, the amount of space needed for a safe stop can be reduced as well. Simply put, less speed equals less sliding, and less of a chance to crash into someone (or something).
Since drivers in New York have a duty to use reasonable care while behind the wheel, a driver who fails to use such care and causes an accident as a result could be held liable for the crash. This means that a person who was injured in the crash could bring a lawsuit against the offending driver to obtain monetary damages for their injuries, including lost wages and medical costs.
Suffice it to say, stay safe on the roads this weekend.
Related Posts: Summer months bring increased risk of car accidents, What are some examples of distracted driving?, Collision avoidance systems and rear-end collisions, Who is liable for your injuries in a driverless car accident?