How to Stay Safe During a Multi-Car Pile-Up from Icy Roads
11th February 2023
Amazingly, people will drive recklessly when roads are icy, but it happens. When it does, it can result in a devastating multi-car pile-up and severe injuries. If you ever find yourself in a multi-car crash on slick roads, remaining calm will help you stay safe and avoid damage to your vehicle.
If you suffer an injury in this kind of crash, a car accident lawyer with Sand Law will be ready to help you obtain maximum compensation. We’ll investigate to determine the at-fault party and then work to hold them accountable. Our attorneys will keep you informed throughout your case so that you know what to expect at all times.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible for a free review of your case. Contact us online or call 701-609-1510.
A Recent Example
On November 10, 2022, a multi-car pile-up involving more than 20 vehicles occurred on Interstate 94. According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP), a squad car responded to a truck accident when a passenger hit the unit. Within minutes, seven more collisions occurred in the same area due to a fine mist covering the road surface in ice. While the NDHP reported several injuries, the worst was a broken leg.
This accident had a relatively happy ending. In many instances, multi-car pile-ups can lead to tragedy. The following are a few tips to help keep you safe should you ever find yourself in this terrifying situation.
Slow Down
Slowing down during a multi-car pile-up on icy roads is essential for staying safe and avoiding further collisions. Ice makes the roads slippery, making it difficult to control your vehicle and increasing the likelihood of a crash. If you’re driving too fast and suddenly come upon a pile-up, it’s likely that you won’t be able to stop in time and could end up hitting another vehicle.
By slowing down, you give yourself more time to react, which can help to prevent a collision. Turning on your hazard lights will help other drivers see that you’re aware of the situation and taking steps to avoid a crash. This can also help to prevent other drivers from colliding with your vehicle.
Don’t Tailgate
Tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle, is particularly dangerous. When road conditions are icy or slippery due to the first snow of the season, it’s essential to give yourself plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Doing so will allow you more time to react in an emergency. If you’re tailgating, you won’t have enough time to react if the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops or swerves, and you’ll be more likely to collide with them.
Tailgating also increases the likelihood of making a chain reaction pile up even worse, as other drivers may not be able to stop in time if you collide with the vehicle in front of you. By avoiding tailgating, you can help to prevent collisions, reduce the severity of a crash, and increase your chances of staying safe. Always maintain a safe following distance and allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Check the Rearview Mirror
Checking the rearview mirror will also be essential to avoiding further collisions in a multi-car pile-up. If a multi-car pile-up occurs in front of you, you must be aware of the cars behind you and take steps to avoid a rear-end collision. You can see if other drivers are losing control or can’t stop in time.
Knowing what’s happening behind can give you time to slow down, move to a safer lane, or take other evasive action. Checking the rearview mirror can help you keep track of the overall situation and make informed decisions about staying safe. Always be aware of the cars around you, and regularly check your rearview mirror to stay informed and avoid suffering a potentially severe injury.
Pay Attention
Stay alert and focused on the road ahead. This means putting away distractions, such as your phone or music player, and keeping your eyes on the road. Distracted driving is a common cause of car accidents, and distractions are especially dangerous in a multi-car pile-up.
By paying attention, you can quickly react to changing conditions. Stay alert, focused, and aware, and always be prepared to react if necessary.
Keep an Eye on Surrounding Vehicles
Keeping an eye out for other vehicles will keep you aware of changing conditions. You can anticipate the movements of other drivers and react accordingly. Stay focused on the road and the vehicles around you, and be prepared to react if necessary.
Watch the Roads for Ice
Always be aware of the road conditions, and keep a close eye on the roads for ice, particularly in areas where the road is shaded or inclined. If you’re in an accident, avoiding icy spots could help keep you protected.
Keep Your Car Maintained
It’s always essential to keep your vehicle in good working condition. But properly maintaining your car is even more critical when road conditions are icy. Regular maintenance can help to ensure that your brakes, tires, and other critical components are in good condition and that your car is ready to handle the demands of driving on icy roads. A well-maintained car will also have better traction and handling, making it easier to control and avoid crashes. Maintaining your car can help prevent breakdowns and other unexpected events that could make a multi-car pile-up even more dangerous.
Contact Sand Law if You’re Involved in a Multi-Car Pile Up
A Sand Law attorney will provide aggressive representation to help you get the money you deserve. We’ll provide sound legal advice and do everything we can to convince the at-fault driver’s insurer to offer a fair settlement. But we’ll also be ready to take the case to trial if necessary because we want you to obtain the full value of your damages. Use our online contact form or call 701-609-1510 for a free consultation.