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The snow in Iowa is here, drivers need to use extra caution

As Iowans we know that the winters can be cold and brutal. Most winters in Iowa are filled with rain, snow, wind, ice, and dangerous driving conditions. Most people are aware of how bad the weather can get in Iowa during the winter time, but sometimes they don’t drive according to their surroundings. Your risk of getting into an accident in the winter time increases, because of inclement road conditions. Bad weather causes more than 1.5 million car crashes nationally each year. Having to drive slower in the winter time might seem like a major inconvenience to you, because it takes you longer to get to your destination. However, speeding or even driving the normal speed limit in bad road conditions can cause an accident and you may never get to where you are going. Driving too fast is the most common mistake drivers make and in the winter time accidents can be much worse or occur more often, because of road conditions.

Did you know that the most dangerous day to drive in the winter time is the day after the first snow storm of the year? People are generally unprepared to be driving in the snow again and are not used to being more cautious just yet. When you do drive in the winter there are certain things you can do to prevent getting into an accident.

Do not follow too closely- during inclement road conditions you may hit an icy patch on the road and end up hitting the car in front of you, especially if you are following too closely. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.

If you start to slip and slide on the ice you should gently push on your breaks and turn your wheel in the direction you want your front end to go. Don’t slam on your breaks, because this could make the situation worse.

Other things you can do are to use your lights to increase visibility, keep your windshield clean, don’t use your cruise control on icy roads, don’t pass snow plows or sanding trucks, and don’t assume that your vehicle can handle all conditions. You should allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination, being in a hurry can increase your risk of getting into an accident.

Be prepared inside and out- having your car in good working condition and make sure everything is working properly. You can prepare inside by having some sort of winter kit with you at all time in case of an accident or you get stranded.

Taking time to do simple things will pay off in the long run and will help to keep you and your family safe this winter, it will be here before you know it! If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident you may want to speak with an attorney before you talk to the insurance adjustor. You can protect your family by knowing your rights and what you should do in your car crash claim.

Attorneys Corey J. L. Walker and Erik D. Bair of Walker, Billingsley & Bair practice primarily in personal injury cases and are dedicated to giving your case the personal attention that it needs. If you would like to learn more about car accident claims you can request a copy of our Iowa Car Accident Book at no cost to you by visiting IowaCarAccidentBook.com or calling 1-800-707-2552 ext. 810

Attorneys, Corey J. L. Walker & Erik D. Bair offer car accident books at no cost because as lawyers who practice primarily in personal injury cases throughout the state of Iowa (including, but not limited to Marshalltown, Iowa City, Pella, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Oskaloosa, Newton, Fort Dodge, etc.) they have seen firsthand too many injured Iowans make mistakes before they knew their rights.