A huge 79-vehicle chain reaction wreck yesterday brought home to our Texas injury lawyers the hazards of winter driving conditions in our coastal region. The winter months in Texas bring all sorts of treacherous driving conditions. A wintry mix can include fog, sleet, ice, snow, and rain, all in a single day, making for a very dangerous drive.
Yesterday just west of Port Arthur, TX, a combination of dense fog and the smoke from a winter marsh fire obscured a stretch of Texas Highway 73 and led to a pileup of more than 70 cars. More than 50 people received injuries, 4 of them critical.
TxDOT recommends that drivers slow down for treacherous winter driving conditions. Drivers should leave themselves plenty of room to stop, especially if roads are freshly wet. When precipitation first hits a dry pavement, it tends to bring layers of oil up to the surface, causing slippery driving conditions. Hydroplaning, where tires lose contact with the road, is also common in wet conditions, particularly at high speed.
Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter conditions. Check your antifreeze level, your tires, your oil, your hoses and belts, and especially your battery.
And keep emergency numbers and a winter emergency safety kit in your car in the event that you do run into trouble. An ice scraper, flashlight, extra batteries, blankets, some bottled water, a bit of food, a first aid kit, and a cell phone and charger could all come in handy if you find yourself stranded on the road in winter.
You know the old adage about Texas weather: if you don’t like it, just wait a few minutes; it will change. A zero visibility morning of dense fog and marsh fire smoke can easily become a bright and sunny afternoon. Our Texas injury lawyers remind you that you can be prepared for those changes, and drive safely and securely. And if you’re injured in an accident and have questions about what you should do, feel free to download our free e-book providing you with the essential information on how to cope with serious wrecks.