Winter weather can create a variety of hazardous driving conditions. When snow falls rapidly, plows may struggle to keep the roads clear. Drifting snow can affect vehicle traction, plus cover up debris, potholes and other dangers in the road.
When temperatures fluctuate, snow may melt during the warmest part of the day. The meltwater may then refreeze, leaving a thin layer of black ice on street surfaces that can affect traffic safety. Weather conditions can increase the risk of a major collision. Those involved in wrecks caused by winter weather conditions may worry about whether they can hold the other driver responsible.
Does inclement weather limit personal culpability for causing a crash?
Drivers should adjust their road habits
Winter weather is an annual concern for those living in Massachusetts. As such, motorists are generally well aware of what adjustments they need to make to ensure their safety in traffic.
Drivers know that they must slow down and leave more following space between vehicles. They know they need to avoid sudden maneuvers. They are generally aware of the need to allow more time for travel and to stay off the roads whenever possible if the weather is particularly severe.
Even if people forget those safety-critical driving habits, the state and news media are quick to remind people of what is necessary for winter road safety. Therefore, drivers generally cannot blame the weather if they cause crashes.
There is an expectation that anyone driving in inclement winter weather should change their habits according to road and weather conditions. The failure to do so opens a motorist up to allegations of unsafe conduct. Those involved in winter collisions caused by drivers who don’t slow down and who tailgate despite slick road conditions may be able to hold the other driver accountable through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
Winter weather collisions have the potential to cause severe injury, as drivers can lose control of their vehicles with little warning. Altering traffic behavior to account for winter weather is necessary for those who do not want to be at fault for motor vehicle collisions.
Those who end up injured in crashes related to winter weather may need help holding the other driver accountable. Understanding that weather is not an excuse for unsafe driving can help people as they evaluate their options after a wreck.