Staying safe on Ontario roads during the winter months is on everyone’s minds when winter sets in. Statistics show that nearly 30% of all accidents in a year occur on icy, snowy roads. The Canadian Traffic Accident Information System (TAIS) has conducted studies that reveal that 5% of accidents happen during snow-fall. This means that an overwhelming figure of 50,000 accidents are directly or indirectly the result of such weather conditions.

In Ontario, snow can fall for up to eight months in the year. So it’s not surprising that packed snow or ice was present in more than 26% of collisions. Wet conditions, loose snow, slush, sleet, hail and snow-drifts are commonly cited as reasons for collisions.

However, the weather is not the only cause of accidents. Most of them are preventable and avoidable. When investigations are conducted, it’s usually found that the accident was caused by someone’s fault or negligence, whatever the weather conditions.

If you or a dear one has been seriously injured in a collision, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately because you may be entitled to compensation.

Driving In Winter 

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) regularly provides information and updates on weather conditions, safety tips and precautions to take while driving in winter. Ontarians are quite familiar with the kinds of problems that can arise in winter and most of them prepare well ahead to counter these.

The MTO has improved communication with motorists this winter through its updated website and Twitter feed.

It’s important to:

• Prepare your vehicle
• Plan your trip well ahead, and wisely
• Slow down in winter conditions

Top Toronto personal injury lawyers know from experience that the winter holiday season also means that people are more relaxed, frequently partying, enjoy getting together with friends and family but unfortunately, this could also mean that they’re less alert and careful.

“High spirits” from not just a good mood prevail during the festive season.

All it takes is a momentary lapse on the driver’s part to cause a tragic collision. For injured victims and their families, it could mean a life-time’s physical, financial and emotional trauma.

As top rated accident lawyers know, monetary compensation helps to meet the effects of:

• Loss of income/wages
• Medical and rehabilitation expenditure
• Pain and suffering

Staying Safe: Some Tips 

Inexperienced drivers should avoid driving in winter weather conditions. Handling skidding and sliding of the vehicle on packed ice or snowy roads can be challenging. It takes practice to control a vehicle in these circumstances.

Getting stuck in snow causes huge risks. Ensure that you immediately tie something bright to the top of the vehicle so that you’re visible to other drivers.

Never leave the vehicle to start walking. You could either die in the cold, get lost, or get run over by another vehicle.

Prepare your vehicle well ahead for winter driving. Get the right types of snow tires. All-season tires are not the same thing, because they have less grip if the temperature drops below 7C.

If you’re injured in a collision, get prompt medical help, contact the police, your insurance-company and an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer immediately.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help. (416 931 5015)