How to Safely Navigate Winter Snow and Ice

It’s that time of year again, when fresh coats of powdery snow cover the ground and we can sit inside drinking hot cocoa. Actually, as we look outside, it is icy, wet, cold, slippery, and we still need to drive to work, school, and the grocery store. While that first scenario does happen from time to time, we in the Northeastern U.S. know that winter conditions are not generally what they show in holiday movies. When winter weather turns dangerous, our personal injury attorneys have a few simple suggestions to keep you and your family safe while on foot or on the road.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident as a result of dangerous winter conditions, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. Call our office today for a free and confidential consultation regarding your auto accident, slip and fall accident, construction accident, or any other accident.

Bucks County, PA Slip and Fall Attorneys: Staying Safe on Icy Walkways

Slip and fall accidents may seem mundane, but they can lead to serious injuries including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and more. To avoid a potential injurious accident, take the following precautions this winter:

• Get the necessary gear – for those of us who are responsible for maintaining our own walkways or driveways, a proper snow shovel and hearty supply of salt are musts. A pair of snow boots is also worth the investment to keep a solid grip on the ground
• Use railings when possible – if you have railings leading to your home, check their condition and make sure they are able to support you and others as they are walking up and down stairs
• Be careful – it may seem obvious, but simply moving slowly and not taking large steps can prevent a fall on icy terrain
• Bring a friend or at least a phone – having a buddy to walk with you for physical support is ideal. Just in case you do sustain an accident and are injured, carrying a cell phone is important so that you can immediately call for help

Northeast Philadelphia Auto Accident Injury Lawyers Discuss Safe Winter Driving Habits

While sliding your way to the car may be half the battle, icy Southeastern Pennsylvania roadways can be even more dangerous when not handled with the proper attention. Be adhering to these guidelines, you will be giving yourself a great chance to stay safe and accident free this winter.

• Stay home – if the weather is truly bad, there is no substitute for staying home. We understand the pressures of getting to work and other responsibilities, but many times the risk is not worth the reward
• Never get out and push – if you or another person are stuck on the road, the most dangerous thing to do is to try and push as car, especially if it is up a hill. If a multi ton car is unable to gain traction, you probably will not be able to either
• Accelerate and Brake slowly – one of the primary reasons cars lose traction in wintery conditions is sudden acceleration or braking. Take it slow and try to ease into starts and stops
• Give yourself ample time to stop – tying into the previous point, try not to put yourself in a situation where you need to stop suddenly. Give plenty of room to cars in front of you so that decelerations can be done carefully
• Slowly but surely build momentum up hills – another common culprit for vehicle accidents in winter is getting stuck on a hill. It is important to generate and maintain speed going up slippery hills without stopping or accelerating too quickly. This can be tricky, but it is better to get momentum at the bottom than to be stuck halfway up

Contact our Bensalem Winter Condition Injury Attorneys Today

The legal team of Cohen & Riechelson understand the dangers of our local winters, having lived through quite a few of them ourselves. We believe in protecting the legal rights of clients who have been wrongfully injured due to hazardous conditions in New Jersey towns including Bensalem, Levittown, Northeast Philadelphia, Millbrook, Penndel, Feasterville, and the greater Bucks County area. If you or a loved one has been injured this winter, contact us online or over the phone at our Bensalem offices by dialing (215) 337-4915 today for a free and confidential consultation.