The winters in New Hampshire can put drivers and other road users at risk with the roads becoming wet, icy and snowy, but one of the reasons why there are so many accidents in winter is that drivers don’t put safety first. Instead, they will speed, tailgate or make sharp maneuvers. The following are just a few tips for staying safe on winter roads.
Drivers must learn to lower their speed when the roads are icy or snowy. They must then keep their distance from cars; if they can count up to five or six between the time the car in front passes an object and the time they themselves pass it, they should be fine. All braking and accelerating should be gentle and gradual.
Many cars have anti-lock break systems, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. While these are useful features, drivers should know how to brake properly with them engaged. Another tip is to avoid braking to a complete stop. Accelerating when one still has momentum is less risky than accelerating from a stopped position.
When an icy or snowy road has a steep incline, drivers should try to get some speed at the flat portion. If they can avoid feeding gas on the incline, that would be ideal.
Motor vehicle accidents, whether they occur in winter or another season, frequently form the basis for personal injury claims. Injury victims who are not at fault or whose degree of fault is less than the defendant’s can recover damages, but negotiating for a settlement is a different matter altogether. This is where legal representation may come in handy. A lawyer may speak on victims’ behalf at the negotiation table and, as a last resort, in the courtroom. Third-party investigators may be able to gather evidence against the defendant.