According to WTVA, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is still advising residents to limit their travel. Dozens of counties are reporting consistent icy conditions on roads and bridges throughout our state. Counties the MDOT has cleared for travel include Madison, Hinds, Scott, Kemper, Newton, and Lauderdale.
Driving on icy roads is incredibly dangerous regardless of how much experience you have or what kinds of safety features your vehicle has. When the roads are slick, it is in everyone’s best interests to stay home.
If staying home is not an option, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of causing a collision; however, you cannot rely on other motorists to exercise the same caution. If you were hurt in a car accident with a reckless driver who failed to adapt to the conditions, turn to Ballard Law, PLLC.
After determining that you have grounds for a claim, a compassionate lawyer on our team will interview witnesses, gather medical records, and negotiate with the opposing party on your behalf. Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free case evaluation with an injury attorney in Madison.
Read on to learn how to reduce your risk of causing a crash when there’s ice on the roads:
- Slow Down
Losing control of your vehicle when traveling at 15 mph will cause considerably less damage than losing control at 60 mph. Slowing down is the single most important step you can take to protect your safety—and the safety of those around you—when driving on icy roads.
- Brake Gently
Decelerating abruptly can force the car into a skid, which could have catastrophic consequences. Additionally, slamming on the breaks will not help if your wheels lose traction with the road. Fortunately, those who slow down and remain alert will only ever have to tap on the brakes when driving in ice and snow.
- Turn off Cruise Control
Cruise control systems cannot detect when the wheels lose traction with the road. When traveling uphill, for example, a car in cruise control will automatically apply more gas, even if it hits a patch of ice. In order to maintain total control of your vehicle in wintry conditions, avoid using cruise control at all.
- Avoid Stopping on the Side of the Road
In icy conditions, collisions often happen in groups. If you see an accident on the side of the road, it is typically better to call 911 and report it than stop and help. Responding officers will have cones, lights, and other essential equipment for directing traffic away from the scene to prevent subsequent crashes
Sadly, not all motorists make it a point to follow the above tips when the roads are icy. For this reason, it is best to stay home when road conditions are poor.
If you had no choice but to drive when Mississippi was covered in ice and you ended up in a collision, turn to Ballard Law, PLLC. William E. Ballard will help you fight for the maximum settlement, and if your case goes to trial, he has the litigation experience and resources to represent your interests in court.
Contact us online or call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free consultation with an injury lawyer in Madison. If you want to learn more about car accident claims in Mississippi, visit USAttorneys.com.
