Precipitation during the winter can contribute to some of the worst car accidents throughout the country. It has been determined that snow covered roads lead to lower car accident rates than freezing precipitation. When roads become slick, the icy surface is not always visible to a driver. Research has shown that road icing may be more threatening to an individual’s life than any other adverse weather condition while driving.
There is a need for the driving public to continue to be educated on how to safely navigate on icy roads to avoid a serious car accident. Unfortunately, it appears that drivers have been misinformed about one critical point. Despite modern vehicle technology, investigations have shown that cars cannot safely travel on any type of icy road when traveling over the speed of 45 mph.
It is often presumed that inexperienced drivers or cars with worn tires lead to car accidents on icy roads, which sometimes is the case. However, vehicles that are equipped with traction control, 4WD, AWD, antilock brakes, or electronic stability control continue to be involved in speeding car accidents when traveling over 45 mph when icy conditions are present. It is misleading to assume that this type of equipment can allow drivers to maintain a speed over 45 mph and still sustain control of their vehicle.
There is no specific tread pattern or computer program that can change the central law of physics, which relates to the amount of friction between rubber and ice. According to research, it appears that the only way to mitigate the possibility of a car accident on an icy road is to slow down. When a car exceeds 45 mph it becomes extremely unstable and could enter a sequence of events that leads the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
A car still has the potential to lose control when traveling at speeds below 45 mph when ice is present, but the consequences are likely to be less detrimental. It is vital that the driving public understands the need to drive slowly in icy conditions and is educated about the potential hazards when ice is present on the road.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates Help Individuals Injured in Icy Road Car Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to icy roads it is essential for you to consult an experienced personal injury attorney. The Philadelphia car accident lawyers of Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates have the knowledge to thoroughly assess your case and aggressively pursue compensation that you are entitled to under the law. Our offices are conveniently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Voorhees, New Jersey. Please call us today at 215-567-6600 to schedule a free consultation or complete our contact online form.