Dec 14, 2021 in News Car Accident

Car Accident: Slowing Down is the First Step to Safer Winter Driving

Toronto received its first heavy snowfall earlier than usual this year, on Sunday, November 28. Almost immediately, the OPP started reporting collisions, including on Highways 401, 403, 404, 407, 410, and the Queen Elizabeth Way, per CBC News Toronto. For personal injury lawyers in Toronto, the pattern was familiar: inclement weather followed by car accidents. As winter continues, these accidents will lead to a variety of personal injury and insurance dispute inquiries.

Winter driving is almost always more dangerous than driving during the late spring, summer, and early fall, but there are ways to mitigate risk and reduce the likelihood of your needing a personal injury lawyer. The first and most important step to safer winter driving is to slow down, as OPP Const. Timothy Dunnah of the Mississauga detachment made to clear to the CBC in the wake of the November 28 crashes.

“We are asking motorists to take their time, leave earlier, drive slower to get to their destinations,” he said. “Drive according to weather conditions. Enjoy the nice weather. It’s snow. It’s our first big one of the year. But be responsible when operating a motor vehicle.”

Numerous other safe driving resources stress the importance of slowing down when contending with snow and ice. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety offers the following driving tip for the winter: “SLOW DOWN! – posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions. Driving at reduced speeds is the best precautionary measure against any misfortune while driving on slippery roads.”

The Province of Ontario’s official Ministry of Transportation Driver’s Handbook says to “slow down on rutted, snowy roads” and “avoid sudden steering, braking or accelerating that could cause a skid.”

In a blog titled ‘Tips for Driving in Poor Road and Weather Conditions,’ the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) – whose members know a thing or two about winter driving – recommends taking the following measures in snowy conditions:

• Adjust speed and slow down
• Drive at a speed where you can safely control your vehicle
• Never use cruise control
• Look at least 15 to 20 seconds ahead and slow down if visibility is reduced

Suffice to say safety experts recommend slowing down in inclement weather, and personal injury lawyers agree. During our more than 50 years in business, our team has represented thousands of seriously injured motor vehicle accident victims in personal injury claims and insurance disputes. Too often, and during all seasons, speed is a contributing factor to these accidents. Excessive speeds increase the risk of collision and make it more likely for serious or even lifechanging injuries to occur. 

If you’ve been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. A member of our experienced team will happily review your claim and explain the next steps in the legal process.

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