Minnesota is known for its cold and harsh winters. Icy roads, snowdrifts, and other conditions can make roads even more dangerous. In this article, we are going to talk about some of the car accidents and associated injuries that can impact drivers during the harsh Minnesota winters. We’ll also offer some tips for avoiding these injuries and some actionable steps to take after a car accident injury.
Icy Roads
Icy roads are the most common cause of winter road accidents in Minnesota. Black ice (ice that is invisible to the eye or difficult to see from your vehicle) is particularly dangerous. Always be on alert for icy patches of road, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Snowdrifts
High winds plus a lot of snow equals snowdrifts. Snowdrifts can obscure roads to such an extent that it can become difficult to tell where the road stops and starts. At night it can also be challenging to delineate between your lane and the oncoming traffic lane. All of this leads to an increased level of accident risk. If you find yourself on a road with high snowdrifts, take it slow and pay close attention to your lane, as well as the road itself to make sure you’re staying on track.
Unplowed Streets
After a large snowfall, it can take the plows a while to clear every road. In more remote areas of the state, there may be roads that don’t ever get plowed. In either case, unplowed roads add an extra layer of risk while driving. Try to follow the existing tire tracks of any cars that have gone before you. If you start to slide or spin, don’t overcorrect. Calmly guide the car in the direction of the spin and let up on the gas until the car corrects. The worst thing you can do is slam on the brakes and jerk the wheel in the opposite direction.
Get Help After Your Car Accident Injury
Hey Workers is a completely free and confidential service for workers injured in the state of Minnesota. It is our goal to provide you with the medical and legal resources you need after sustaining an auto accident injury. Our staff will connect you with lawyers and doctors in your area who can help you recover from your wounds, and deal with the legal aspects of your worker’s comp or personal injury claim. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, pick up the phone and call 844-Hey-Workers today to speak with our highly trained staff. It costs you nothing to call and all information is kept confidential – guaranteed!