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In many parts of the United States and Canada, the winter weather is here, which can include snow, sleet, freezing rain, ice, whiteout conditions, and below-freezing temperatures. As one might expect, such weather is accompanied by motor vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019 there were 440 fatal crashes along with an estimated 33,000 injurious crashes in the United States that occurred in winter weather conditions [1]. In 2017, almost 30% of the motor vehicle collisions reported to National Collision Database in Canada happened on wet, snowy, or icy roads, with one-third happening in November, December, January and February [2].

According to the NHTSA the basics of driving in winter weather include the following [1]:

• Slow down;
• Increase your following distance so that you have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you;
• Do not crowd or travel beside a snow plow – these vehicles travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently;

In the event of an emergency, the following is suggested [1]:

• Stay with your car; do not overexert yourself;
• Let your car be seen – put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on;
• Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning – make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow and run your car infrequently, just long enough to stay warm;
• Do not run your car for long periods of time with the windows up in an enclosed space.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has the following recommendations for preparing your vehicle [3]:

• Service the radiator and maintain the antifreeze level;
• Check the tire tread, and if necessary, purchase snow tires
• Keep the fuel tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines
• Use a winter formula for your windshield washer
• Prepare a winter emergency kit to keep in your car in case you become stranded. Tips on what to include in your vehicle emergency kit can be found here [4].

Why LISKE?

LISKE is an established leader in the field of accident and injury reconstruction with thirty years of experience investigating and reconstructing transportation accidents. We are dedicated to providing a principled and unparalleled customer experience and continue to strive for excellence, acting with integrity, thoroughness, and accountability. The high-level approach we take to each assignment help to ensure that no element of causation is overlooked and no stone is left unturned. Our multi-disciplined team of scientists, engineers, and ACTAR accredited reconstruction experts prepare a comprehensive, objective, science-based analysis of each accident, powered by next-generation technology. A LISKE accident and injury reconstruction provides a foundational pillar you can count on; whether as a building block to causation, or in the rebuttal to an unacceptable misinformed and overreached opposition conclusion. Plan your litigation strategy and achieve the best resolution for your client with LISKE Accident and Injury Experts

[1] https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips

[2] https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/gazette/just-the-facts-winter-driving

[3] https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/winterweather/index.html

[4] https://www.ready.gov/car