Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Two young men from Swampscott were killed in a Friday night car accident along Route 1A when their vehicle slammed into a home. It happened just before 7:00 a.m. The occupants of the car were extricated using hydraulic tools, according to the Revere Fire Department.
The Boston Globe reported the vehicle was heading northbound and speed may have been a factor in the tragedy. One of the men was taken to Whidden Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The other was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital where he was also later pronounced dead.
Our car accident lawyers in Revere know speed is a deadly risk out on our roadways, especially during this time of the year. With snow in our forecast, the roads are expected to be extra slick. With that, it’s critical that drivers are on their best behavior behind the wheel to help to avoid winter-related car accidents. Officials with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), urge drivers to prepare their vehicles for these conditions, including having winter car supplies. By following some simple safe driving tips and by using common sense when traveling near snowplows, drivers can help to ensure that they make their destination safety.
The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.
Don’t go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination, according to The Weather Channel.
If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t 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.
Remember that bridges and overpasses may freeze before the regular travel lanes of a roadway. Watch out for black ice, areas of the roadway that appear black and shiny and where your vehicle can suddenly lose traction. Slow down in these areas and keep your foot off the brakes.
Check windshield wipers and consider buying heavy-duty winter wipers. Wipers are fairly straightforward to change and can take less than 10 minutes to swap out.
Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time. You want to avoid rushing as it can increase the urge to speed.
Tire pressure usually lowers in winter and rises in summer. Under-inflated tires can cause a car to react more slowly to steering. Every time the outside temperature drops 10 degrees, the air pressure inside your tires goes down about one or two PSI. Make sure you keep a close eye on the air pressure in your tires.
If you or a loved one was involved in a motor-vehicle accident, contact Jeffrey S. Glassman for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call (617) 777-7777 today.
More Blog Entries:
Snowy Roads Blamed for Driver’s Death, Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, December 16, 2013
No “Selfies” in the Driver’s Seat!, Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, November 29, 2013