Winter Driving and Increased Incidence of Automobile Accidents

    DENVER, CO, January 05, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Driving can be a risky endeavor no matter what time of year you are out on the road. However, as the temperature drops and weather patterns change, driving in the winter can become noticeably more difficult than during the warm summer months. Winter weather can bring snow, sleet, and ice - all factors that lead to an increase in Colorado automobile accidents during this time of year.

Weather conditions naturally become the biggest factor when it comes to driving safely during the winter months. Heavy rain and snow fall can drastically reduce visibility, making it more difficult for you to see the road and other vehicles clearly. Once on the ground, snow can compact to ice, which reduces the amount of traction your car tires receive on the ground. Studded tires can provide some help to aide in traction; however even the best studded tires can slide on an icy road and you can end up hitting another vehicle or stationary objects such as light poles and guard rails.

A reduction in traction can decrease your turning ability and stop time. Fishtailing and skidding is much more common in the winter, when the back end of your car loses its ability to grip the road. Black ice can create hazardous conditions that make it nearly impossible for you to stop your car in time to avoid any obstacles in the road ahead of you. All of these situations can lead to a motor vehicle accident resulting in serious injuries.

In addition to slippery road conditions, your visibility is often reduced during the winter due to flat low-light conditions. Flat light conditions, prevalent during overcast winter days, make it difficult to determine road features, turns, and distance due to a lack of contrast. Visibility is also reduced due to the decreased daylight hours in winter, increasing the risk of automobile accidents due to darkness.

If you were injured in an auto accident in Colorado, please visit Burg, Simpson, Eldredge, Hersh & Jardine online at http://coloradoaccidentattorneys.com.

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