Winter in Washington State brings stunning landscapes, but it also ushers in treacherous driving conditions. Expect unique hazards like icy roads, snow, and reduced visibility on our state's highways and byways.
While every accident is different, we are dedicated to helping our community understand the most common injuries from winter collisions and, more importantly, how to proactively protect themselves.
Common Winter Collision Injuries
The loss of traction from ice or snow often results in rear-end collisions, spin-outs, and multi-car pileups. These types of car crashes, even at lower speeds due to weather conditions, can cause severe injuries:
- Whiplash and Other Soft Tissue Injuries: This is arguably the most frequent injury, resulting from the neck being forcefully and rapidly thrown forward and backward. Even a seemingly minor fender-bender on a slick road can lead to chronic neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
- Back Injuries: Sudden, forceful impacts can cause herniated discs, spinal cord damage, or other serious lumbar injuries. These can lead to long-term pain and, in severe cases, limited mobility.
- Broken Bones (Fractures): Passengers bracing for impact, or those involved in high-impact slides or rollovers, often sustain fractures in arms, legs, ribs, or facial bones.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Concussions: Striking the head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, or even the violent jolt of a collision, can cause concussions and more severe TBI, which may lead to memory loss, dizziness, and long-term cognitive issues.
Proven Steps for Washington Winter Driving Safety
Protecting yourself on Washington's winter roads requires a results-driven, cautious approach. We can’t control the weather, but we can control our preparation and driving habits.
- Reduce Your Speed and Increase Following Distance: Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions. Drive slower than the limit in snow, ice, or heavy rain. On slick surfaces, your stopping distance is significantly increased—allow at least 8 to 10 seconds of following distance.
- Prepare Your Vehicle: Ensure your tires have proper tread (consider snow tires or chains if you frequent mountain passes). Check your battery, fluid levels (especially "winter" washer fluid), brakes, and lights. Clear all snow and ice from your entire vehicle, not just a small spot on the windshield.
- Use Caution on Bridges and Overpasses: These structures freeze before surface roads because cold air circulates both above and below them. Treat every bridge and overpass as if it is covered in black ice.
- Avoid Distractions and Sudden Movements: Focus on the road. Don't use cruise control on slippery roads. Make all acceleration, steering, and braking movements gradually and gently to avoid skidding.
Talk to Our Car Accident Attorneys
Despite all precautions, accidents can still occur, often due to the negligence of another driver who fails to adapt to changing conditions. Dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance claims is overwhelming. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a winter car accident, you don't have to face the recovery process alone.
At Becker Franklin Rovang, we bring an established track record of results and compassionate support to every client. Let our team focus on securing the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
Contact us today for a consultation at (360) 800-3009.
