MOUNTAINSIDE, N.J., Feb. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Driving in NJ has been especially treacherous. One 27-year driver's life was spared when a semi truck lost control on black ice on the NJ Turnpike. Within minutes his life was spared again when a second articulated tractor trailer lost control and jack-knifed, narrowly missing Mr. Varavko's car. The driver, Oleg Varavko, captured the scene on video.
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150202/172780
When the National Weather Service declares "Hazardous Weather Outlooks for Northeast New Jersey", drivers can expect speed restrictions prompted by extremely dangerous driving conditions on major highways including the Garden State Parkway and NJ Turnpike.
Northern NJ winter temperatures fluctuate wildly between single digits and into the 40's. When roads freeze, thaw, re-freeze, careless drivers can easily cause serious crashes that can lead to debilitating car accident injuries.
The most common causes for motor vehicle accidents during winter months include:
- Improper removal of snow on motor vehicle's windows, lights, brake lights, mirrors, roof, hood, and signals
- Distracted driving – 85% of crashes occur within 3 seconds of a driver's distraction
- Speeding
- Delay in braking or improper braking
- Careless driving, such as not slowing down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady areas that may be covered in ice or black ice
- Improper vehicle maintenance for windshield wipers, defrosters, tire tread, tire pressure, and improper windshield washer fluid when not using high-quality, "no-freeze" washer fluid.
Potholes
Potholes increase in number and grow in size as winter progresses. Traffic and puddles of standing water on the road may conceal potholes until the last minute, which can result in drivers swerving suddenly, potentially causing an accident.
Black Ice
Temperatures often fall below freezing at night. If water remains on the road, it can easily turn into black ice, which is notoriously hard to spot. Black ice is a particular hazard on bridges and overpasses, which freeze more quickly. Stopping on icy roads can take nine times longer to stop as it does on a dry road. Careful drivers leave adequate distance behind other vehicles, and reduce speed where black ice might be present.
We Hold Negligent Drivers Responsible
Unfortunately, not all drivers are as lucky as Oleg Varavko was on that Monday, Jan. 19, 2015 – Martin Luther King Day. Over 37,000 people die in road crashes each year in the U.S., and 2.35 million are injured or disabled.
Under the law, New Jersey drivers have an obligation to drive safely and take into account winter weather conditions, including snow, ice and slush.
"Unfortunately too many NJ motor vehicle accident victims find that their insurers impede their access to the medical care and therapy they require following a serious accident," reports Francis M. Smith, Esq., a personal injury attorney with offices in Mountainside, Morristown, and Annandale, NJ. "Even though they have been diligent in paying their insurance premiums, when they deserve to settle on fair compensation for their injuries, they often feel they are David fighting Goliath," he adds. "That's why many injured clients seek representation from an experienced personal injury attorney who, by working exclusively with injured clients and insurance companies, can avoid the pitfalls and pursue the medical and therapeutic relief due to the accident victim, and then be compensated appropriately if another driver's negligence was the cause of the injuries" he reports.
About Francis M. Smith, NJ Personal Injury Attorney
Francis M. Smith, Esq. handles all types of personal injury cases throughout northern NJ. More information on Francis M. Smith is available at http://www.FrankSmithLaw.com
Francis M. Smith, Esq.
908 233-5800
Cell: (908) 337-5888
Email