If you looked through the garage in a typical Louisiana home, you are unlikely to find a snow shovel or any rock salt. Although residents around the state are used to a considerable amount of precipitation, it rarely comes down in the form of ice or snow.
In fact, from 1981 to 2010, the average annual snowfall in New Orleans was 0 inches. Earlier this month, though, enough snow fell on parts of Louisiana for residents to go sledding.
According to USA TODAY, local kids were thrilled to take advantage of this rare opportunity to play in the snow. Of course, since homes that do not have shovels or rock salt are also unlikely to have sleds, most of the children used cardboard boxes instead.
Unfortunately, residents in the southeast also witnessed the dangers of snow and ice in the wake of the wintry weather. The roads were treacherous for days following the storm, and these conditions contributed to motor vehicle collisions all over Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia.
If you were hurt in a car accident with a reckless driver who failed to exercise caution when the roads were slick, you might have grounds for a lawsuit. Turn to The Downs Law Firm to discuss your case with a personal injury attorney in Bastrop and determine the best way to proceed.
Ross Downs has been practicing law for more than 20 years. Call (318) 325-7677 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Read on to learn about some of the most common mistakes motorists make when driving in the ice and snow:
- Overestimating Your Vehicle’s Capabilities
At the end of the day, four-wheel drive can help when the streets are somewhat wet and muddy, but it is no match for several inches of snow. Even if your vehicle has all the latest safety features, it is important to exercise caution in wintry conditions and stay off the roads as much as possible. - Following Too Closely
Cars need a lot more stopping distance than normal when there is snow or ice on the roads. In general, you should leave at least six seconds between your vehicle and the vehicle just ahead following a storm. - Making Sudden Maneuvers
Making any kind of sudden maneuver in the snow increases the chances of losing control of your vehicle. To reduce the risk of causing a collision, avoid braking suddenly and turning sharply. - Driving Too Fast
When the roads are wet or icy, driving slower will help you maintain control of the vehicle. In severe winter weather, you can expect that a safe traveling speed will be considerably lower than the posted speed limit.If you sustained serious injuries in an accident despite avoiding the above mistakes, you may be able to hold the other motorist financially accountable. Contact The Downs Law Firm today to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer in Bastrop.Call (318) 325-7677 to schedule a free consultation.
