Icy roads are one of the top causes of car accidents during winter months. A St. Louis County woman was killed in an accident with a truck on Dec. 9. Police believe the accident was caused by icy road conditions. The woman’s 8-year-old daughter was in critical condition following the accident. The accident occurred on the Merrimac Bridge, which connects Jefferson and St. Louis counties. The truck’s driver was not injured in the accident.
When an accident is at least partially caused by icy road conditions, that doesn’t mean that other drivers were not at fault. Drivers have a responsibility to maintain a safe speed taking into consideration driving conditions. So even if the speed limit is 65 or even 70 miles-per-hour, a driver traveling only 60 miles-per-hour may still be at fault for exceeding speeds that are safe on icy roads. Sudden lane changes are also particularly dangerous on icy roads.
If you’re driving during the winter, be sure to slow down and pay close attention to road conditions. Black ice may be invisible, and bridges are particularly treacherous as they freeze before the rest of the roadway. If you’re forced to stop, be sure not to slam on your brakes, which may cause your car to skid. You can only control your own driving habits, and those around you may not be as vigilant about following these simple safety tips.
Deciphering fault in an accident on an icy road can be very challenging. But an experienced car accident attorney can help you unravel the evidence and determine whether other drivers were at. If another driver was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Photo Credit: Let Ideas Compete via Compfight cc