With winter not yet finished bringing more dangerous road conditions and car accidents to the area, Massachusetts State Police are advising people to drive slowly but not to panic. “Once again, Massachusetts is gearing up for another snow storm,” State Police said in a press release. “This can cause major delays in traffic, accidents and other headaches making the daily commute stressful.”
Police offered the following tips to help reduce the risk of car accidents:
1. Be patient. “It’s New England, and we’ve been here before,” officials stated. “Remember to be patient with those operators with less skill driving in these expected conditions.”
2. Slow down, so your vehicle will be less likely to slide when snow and freezing rain create slippery road conditions.
3. Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the vehicles around you.
4. Plan ahead for the possibility that your commute will take longer than usual.
5. Having an SUV or other four-wheel drive vehicle doesn’t amount to invincibility. “Please, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security,” officials wrote. “Your four-wheel drive vehicle does not ensure you have better stopping or steering capabilities.”
6. Clear snow and ice off your vehicle before hitting the road. “Heavy chunks of snow coming off of buses and trucks can cause heavy damage to other vehicles,” officials said. “Clearing off just enough snow to barely see out of a small cleared spot in your windshield doesn’t count.”
7. Be careful around plow trucks and sanders, giving them plenty of space in which to operate.
8. Don’t text while driving. It’s always illegal and dangerous, but it becomes even more hazardous when wintery weather is in effect.
9. Don’t rage at other drivers. “Road rage will not get to your destination any faster,” State Police advised. “Don’t engage other operators in aggressive driving. Please note your location and call 911 if you observe such behavior.”
Massachusetts Car Accident Lawyers
Our Massachusetts car accident attorneys at Altman & Altman, LLP have been representing injury victims for over 40 years. Having successfully handled thousands of automobile accident cases, our lawyers are available to answer all of your questions and help put your mind to rest. If you have been hurt in an accident, please contact us at 800-481-6199 or by email for a free consultation.
Source: Mass. State Police: Don’t Panic, But Drive Slowly, Charlestown Patch, January 28, 2013