The San Antonio Fire Department dispatched engine 34 to a call earlier the week. However, in transit, they crossed an overpass on the North Loop 1604 access road. Unfortunately, the road was icy, and sent the engine sliding backwards down an embankment. After colliding into the guard rail, the engine flipped over onto its side. Luckily, the fire department has reported that the crew inside the engine was safe, and that no other vehicles or individuals were involved in the accident. It is important to note that the road did not look icy, but was covered in “black ice.” When driving in cold conditions, always be aware of the possibility of black ice.
Avoiding Icy Accidents
Snowy and icy conditions are not something that San Antonians are used to having to worry about, but at the moment, it is critical that everyone does what they can to adapt to these conditions and stay safe while driving. Below you will find some tips for driving safety in icy and wintery conditions.
- Beware of black ice. Black ice is tricky because you cannot see it. If you see any ice or snow on the ground, it is safest to assume that the road will have black ice on it and drive accordingly.
- Slow and steady. This may sound cliche, but it is critical. When driving on ice (or on a roadway with icy patches), rapid movements will only serve to lose you even further traction and control. Making slow, deliberate movements is the best course of action. Any last minute swerves or turns could send you spinning. Even breaking should be done slowly. Slamming on your brakes will cost you whatever grip your tires are managing to maintain with the highway, causing you to slide. Break slowly, deliberately, and with plenty of room ahead of you.
- Plan a safe route. Take some time before you leave to think through your route and whether there are any hills, bridges, or icy areas that can be avoided.
- Coming out of a slide. If your car begins sliding on ice or fishtailing, gradually reduce your speed, move your steering wheel in the direction that the back of your car is swerving in, and then keep your hands and eyes focused on the point where you want to go.
- Avoid other drivers. Even if your vehicle performs really well in snowy or icy conditions, be sure to leave plenty of space between you and other drivers. Regardless of the confidence you have in your own driving abilities, it is important to give other cars enough space to spin out or slide without impacting your own safety.
- Reckless looks different in the winter. Ordinarily, driving at or below the speed limit is sufficient to avoid any indication of negligent or reckless driving. However, driving 55 mph in snowy or icy conditions can be deadly. Make sure you are adapting to the circumstances, rather than on external indicators (such as the speed limit) which are designed for ideal conditions. You can be found negligent for a wintery collision in which you were driving the speed limit, and you can be charged with reckless driving for maintaining the speed limit in dangerous conditions.
Schedule a Consultation
Sometimes you do everything in your power to drive safely, but someone else’s negligence still results in a collision. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. Contact Eric Ramos Law and schedule a consultation today. There is no fee until we win.