March 10, 2023
New Hampshire residents are no strangers to winter weather, but the state has experienced a series of winter storms bringing heavy snow. Along with these wintry weather conditions often comes slippery ice, which inevitably makes its way onto the road. If you need to drive in wintry weather conditions, it is important to take preventative steps before and after getting in your car to stay safe.
A recent news article demonstrated just how dangerous winter weather can be. Police in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts reported several winter weather accidents after a recent storm. From 11pm to 6am, New Hampshire state police responded to approximately 30 crashes. For example, in Westborough, an oil truck rolled over on the road. No one was injured, but emergency personnel closed the road to offload the oil and turn the truck upright. Later, on Route 3 in Tyngsborough, police reported a multi-vehicle accident involving two school buses. No children on the school bus were injured. State police urged drivers to reduce their speed and take extra precautions when driving in the wintry weather.
How Can You Stay Safe in a New Hampshire Winter Weather Accident?Before you even get on the road, you can take steps to stay safe in the event of a winter weather accident. First, take your car in for inspection. Identifying potential safety issues with your vehicle is key to preventing a serious accident, no matter what the weather brings. Second, pack a blanket and a portable charger in your car. In the aftermath of a crash, you may be waiting in cold weather for assistance. As you wait, it is important to stay warm and keep your phone charged so you can stay in contact with emergency personnel. If you do experience a winter weather accident, stay calm. If you can, try to pull your vehicle over to the shoulder. Once you are pulled over, call local police for assistance. Be sure to remain in your vehicle until you can safely exit the highway with the help of emergency personnel.
How Can You Avoid a Winter Weather Accident?
While not every accident is completely preventable, being a careful driver can help you stay safe on the road. If you must drive in a winter storm, avoid excessive speeding. Depending on the weather conditions, you may even need to drive well below the posted speed limit to maintain control of your car. Additionally, keep a wide following distance from the vehicle in front of you. If a vehicle needs to slow down to avoid a patch of ice, you will be prepared for any sudden stops ahead of you. When operating your vehicle under snowy or icy conditions, driving safely is all the more important.
Have You Been Injured in a New Hampshire Winter Weather Accident?
If you or a loved has suffered injuries in a New Hampshire winter weather accident, contact the attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates to discuss your case. Our New Hampshire personal injury attorneys have years of experience representing clients in all types of accidents that may arise on the road. Through our skilled representation, we have secured significant compensation for our clients. To schedule a free initial consultation, call us at 800-804-2004.