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Featured 1/29/2025

Winter Weather in Texas: Staying Safe on Black Ice

The unexpected blankets of snow that the South experienced this winter has brought new driving challenges to inexperienced drivers.

The unexpected blankets of snow that the South experienced this winter has brought new driving challenges to inexperienced drivers. Winter Storm Enzo brought rare, and record breaking snow all throughout Texas, closing interstates and bringing the unfamiliar threat of black ice to Texas drivers. Our car accident attorneys at Tracey Fox & Walters have extensive experience in weather related car accident claims, from black ice to hurricanes, our team has seen it all.

Understanding Black Ice: Causes and Dangers

When it comes to black ice it’s better to drive slow and wish you were going faster, than to drive too fast and wish you were driving slower. This serious winter hazard forms when temperatures drop and a thin layer of clear ice develops on the roads. As the rain and snow melt, the water and condensation on the roads refreezes as temperatures plummet overnight, creating this nearly transparent sheet of ice. Black ice is often nearly undetectable to drivers until it is too late. 

What drivers need to know about black ice:

  • Loss of vehicle control: Black ice significantly reduces traction, causing vehicles to skid or spin out unexpectedly.
  • Extended stopping distances: Braking on black ice is difficult, increasing the chances of rear-end collisions or running off the road.
  • Hidden patches on the road: Since black ice is nearly invisible, drivers often encounter it without warning, leaving little time to react.
  • Danger on bridges and shaded areas: Black ice commonly forms in these areas, catching drivers off guard even when the rest of the road seems clear.
  • Higher risk of multi-car accidents: One vehicle losing control on black ice can lead to chain-reaction collisions, especially on busy roads.
  • False sense of security in clear weather: Drivers may underestimate road conditions after a sunny day, leading to unexpected encounters with black ice.

The arrival of black ice on Texas roadways presents a serious and unfamiliar danger, leading to a noticeable rise in accidents. Recognizing how hazardous black ice can be is crucial to avoiding incidents during winter weather. 

If you have young or inexperienced drivers in your household, it’s essential to educate them about the risks of winter driving conditions. Take the time to provide supervised practice sessions, allowing them to gain confidence and experience in handling slippery roads before venturing out on their own. Proper preparation and awareness can make all the difference in staying safe behind the wheel this winter.

Safety Tips for Texans Driving on Black Ice

Driving in winter conditions can present unique challenges and hazards that can lead to tragedy without the right preparation and experience. Driving in winter weather requires extra caution, vehicle maintenance, and emergency preparedness. It’s essential to prepare your vehicle to ensure that everything is in good working order, it can make a significant difference in avoiding accidents. When you are behind the wheel, navigating the conditions with defensive driving techniques is key to safely reaching your destination. By allowing extra time for your travels, avoiding sudden maneuvers that can cause you to lose control, and keeping an eye out for black ice, you can reduce the risk of accidents, and the cold won’t bother you anyway. 

Some winter driving tips to keep you safe on the road:

  • Inspect your tires
  • Keep a safe following distance
  • Use headlights during low-visibility
  • Avoid cruise control
  • Brake and steer gently
  • Stay alert for black ice

Being involved in an accident during winter weather conditions can come with a level of legal liability, even in challenging situations such as losing control on black ice. Drivers are expected to exercise caution and adjust their driving to the hazardous conditions they face. While staying vigilant, prepared, and cautious can keep you safer on the road, it’s crucial to understand any legal responsibilities of an accident due to black ice. 

Legal Consequences and What to Do After an Accident

Savoring every snowflake may be hard to do while you white-knuckle the steering wheel. While these winter driving conditions can make for a treacherous commute, drivers are still expected to take the necessary precautions to ensure everyone's safety on the road. This includes reducing speeds, maintaining safe following distances, and taking extra precautions; failing to adjust to these conditions can leave you liable for any accidents. 

What to do after an accident:

  1. Ensure safety first: Moving to a safe location away from traffic and turning on hazard lights to remain visible to other drivers.
  2. Call emergency services: This will not only bring emergency responders to the accident but will create an official report, which is crucial for the insurance and legal processes.
  3. Document the scene: Taking videos, photos, and evidence of the accident and conditions will help strengthen your claim. 
  4. Get the contact information of any witnesses: Asking witnesses for their contact information will allow their statements or testimony to be used for your claim.
  5. Notify your insurance company: Reporting the accident to your insurance with the basic information will allow the process of your claim to start.
  6. Consult with a personal injury attorney: If the accident resulted in significant damages or injuries, an experienced personal injury attorney will ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available and guide you through the legal process.

The legal consequences of a winter driving accident can be significant, including compensation for property damage, medical expenses, and even lost wages for the injured party. Liability may also result in increased insurance premiums or other financial impacts. It’s important to remember that weather conditions, no matter how severe, typically do not excuse unsafe driving practices in the eyes of the law. If you find yourself involved in a winter weather-related accident, consulting an experienced personal injury attorney is essential. 

How Tracey Fox & Walters Can Help

At Tracey Fox & Walters we understand that surviving a winter weather car accident can be a scary experience. The sudden feeling of a collision and losing control on a blinding wintery road can be as overwhelming as the following weeks and months in the aftermath of an accident. Contact us today if you or a loved one has been in a winter weather related car accident to understand your legal options and to receive maximum financial compensation. Just like winter tires, legal guidance can help you get a firm grip on this slippery situation.

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