Fall and winter weather are synonymous with luxurious meals, sledding, family bonding, and fireside relaxation. And yet  as we enter the holiday season, nearly 27,900 Americans will be seriously injured in auto accidents, and more than 250 will die according to AAA.

Matters are made only worse in Virginia, where our stretch of I-95 has been dubbed one of the deadliest in the country. Between 2004 and 2008 there were roughly two accidents every mile and a half.

Winter weather is fun to play in, but very dangerous to drive in. If you do need to brave the weather (emphasis on “need to”), we have some tips that can help make the drive somewhat safer:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Dont try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning “ nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• Dont stop if you can avoid it. Theres a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Dont power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
• Dont stop going up a hill. Theres nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have anti-lock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Be sure your car is fully maintained and ready for winter weather. This includes appropriate tires, antifreeze, a good battery, new wiper blades, and appropriate oil.

Lastly… stay home. If you really dont have to go out, dont. Driving during the busiest times of the year (especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas) is extremely risky and should be avoided if at all possible. Plan ahead for the occasion now and buy a plane ticket if possible.

And if all of your best efforts fail you, and you end up in a fender bender or serious accident. Call The Law Office of Collier & Collier, P.C. for a free consultation to discuss your case. Let us put our resources to work for you.

The holiday season is a busy time. You may plan to spend long hours on the road, traveling to see family and friends, or perhaps you just plan to attend local holiday gatherings around home. Either way, its important to take the following precautions:

• Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. Have your car and tires inspected before a long drive. If something happens to your vehicle while youre driving on the busy roads, the results could be catastrophic. Take the extra time to make sure everything is in good condition before you head out for a long trip.
• Completely remove ice and frost from your windows and mirrors before driving. Limited visibility puts you and your passengers at an increased risk of getting in an accident. Taking the extra time to clear your windows is certainly worth the extra safety on the road.
• Avoid driving in dangerous weather conditions. Even if you consider yourself an excellent driver during snowstorms, remember that other people on the road may not be as skilled. Try to get all your errands out of the way before inclement weather hits, and consider canceling plans.
• Avoid drunk drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when it comes to the percentage of impaired drivers involved in a fatal crash, 55 percent took place between midnight and 3 a.m., and 42 percent between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. Leaving your holiday party a few hours earlier will often provide a much safer drive home. If you see a drunk driver on the road, stay as far away from the vehicle as possible.
• Likewise, dont drink and drive. If you plan to drink at a holiday party, make plans early in the night to have a safe ride home. Whether its a friend, family member, or taxi driver, its important to have a designated driver.

Of course, even with precautions, its almost impossible to eliminate all risks. If youre injured in any type of accident as the result of someone elses carelessness over the holidays or any time of year, give the Richmond law office of Collier & Collier a call at 804-364-5200.

We are here to help and are happy to answer any questions you may have.  We hope you and your family enjoy this holiday season.