Ronald Arnall, the mayor of Granby, Missouri was killed in a single-car accident during an early December winter storm. Arnall, 64, was driving on Highway 64, north of Pierce City in southwest Missouri, when he lost control of his car and hit a tree.
Accidents like Mayor Arnall’s are a wake-up call for everyone that drives on Missouri’s icy roads. We can’t ever guarantee our safety on frozen winter roads, but there are some steps we can take to minimize our risk. AAA offers these safe winter driving tips:
- Ensure that your tires are inflated to the proper pressure.
- Don’t speed up or slow down too quickly.
- Drive slowly on snowy roads. Driving at the speed limit on snowy roads may be unsafe and could result in an accident or a ticket.
- Never use cruise control when driving on snowy or icy roads.
- Always wear a seatbelt.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. Gas can freeze, leaving you stranded in dangerous conditions, if the tank nears empty.
- Stop as little as possible. If possible, roll up to a stoplight until it turns green rather than coming to a full stop. That advice especially holds true on hills. Stopping on a hill is a good way to slide backwards down the hill, out of control and unable to stop.
- If possible, stay home when conditions are icy or snowy.
If you or a loved one has been injured by someone else driving recklessly on winter roads, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries.
Consult with a St. Louis car accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident to ensure that your rights are protected.