Drivers in the state of Iowa must pay close attention to roadway conditions that are present as these determine what safety measures need to be taken while driving. For instance, when driving in the rain, it is important that you slow your vehicle down and never hit your brakes abruptly as this could cause you to hydroplane and lose control of your vehicle. Driving when wintry weather conditions are present also require a driver to operate their vehicle with caution and apply certain safety tips as these can help prevent a collision.
It is important that drivers of all ages take this information into consideration as many car collisions tend to occur during the winter months and when rain drenches the roads leaving them wet and slippery. In recent news, KCRG reported that an 18-year-old lost control of her vehicle on a patch of ice in Linn County, IA causing her to crash head-on into another vehicle. Katie Miranda died at the scene of the accident and the other driver was said to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Witnesses said both drivers appeared to be traveling at least five miles under the speed limit, however, when driving over ice and wet pavement, even that can be too fast, said the news source.
Therefore, if you ever find yourself traveling over snow, sleet, ice, hail, or when slippery roadways are present, take these tips AARP recommends into consideration to help avoid a crash.
- Remember that bridges freeze before roads. Because cold air hits bridges from all sides, they freeze faster than roads which means motorists must travel cautiously over them at all times. Consider reducing your speed well below the speed limit and keep a tight grip of your wheel at all times.
- Operate your vehicle with caution. You never know when you might encounter snow with a sheet of ice underneath it.
- Drive in the tire tracks of other vehicles. AARP recommends this as there is generally more traction in these areas.
- Use added caution when changing lanes. The area located between lanes “may have a buildup of crunchy ice, which should be avoided.” If it necessary for you to change lanes, however, “do so gradually while holding the steering wheel firmly.”
- Test your brakes. AARP says that all snow is different which means your vehicle may react differently when it is driven over it. To determine how effective your brakes are after snow has fallen, test them out when you first get on the road “to gauge how they react to the conditions.”
- Be aware that black ice might be present. Black ice, which has acquired its name from its clear appearance and ability to blend in with the black pavement, can be very dangerous as most drivers are unable to detect when it is present. Many motorists who travel over black ice know they came in contact with a patch of it as their vehicle will begin to slide. If this happens, AARP recommends that you “take your foot off the gas pedal and do not step on the brake, rather, continue driving straight and hopefully, the patch will end soon, and you will be back in control on the road again.”
- Stay in the right lane. It is best that you refrain from driving in the left lane that is designated for drivers who wish to travel at a faster rate of speed. The fact is, there is no need to drive fast when slippery roadway conditions are present as it only reduces your time to react if you were to encounter a patch of ice.
What should I do if I’m involved in an auto accident in Iowa caused by slippery roadway conditions?
In the event you or a loved one were involved in a car crash caused by inclement weather and you collided into another vehicle, it is important that you contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, P.L.C. so that you can be connected with one of our Iowa car accident attorneys who can guide you in the direction that would allow you to recover compensation for your injuries. Although the inclement weather may have played a major role in causing the collision, there may be other parties at fault and our experienced lawyers will be sure to determine who they are.
If you are interested in learning more about how our team of dedicated and skilled car accident lawyers can help you and your loved ones get through this tough time, call us now at 319-393-1020 to schedule an initial consultation.
You can reach Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, P.L.C. at:
1921 51st Street NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: (319) 393-1020
Fax: (319) 393-4000
Website: www.eellsandtronvold.com
