What to do if you are in a snow or ice related accident

Driving in the winter sure beats walking or waiting in the cold for public transit. When it’s freezing outside, most people prefer to use a car, even if they are only going down the street to run a quick errand. While the convenience is hard to beat, getting into a car always comes with some degree of risk. Accidents are more common in snowy and icy conditions, and getting into an accident in winter weather can present unique challenges. The best way to protect yourself from potential injury is to be a safe and vigilant driver. However, even the most cautious drivers can become victims of car accidents. If you’re involved in a car crash in snowy or icy conditions, it’s important you know how to react to guarantee the smoothest recovery. 

All-weather ready

Before you get behind the wheel during a winter storm, make sure you’re comfortable driving in difficult conditions. If you don’t feel comfortable driving in snow or ice, don’t do it. If you do feel comfortable, make sure to take precautions before hitting the road. First, make sure your windows and windshields are completely clear. Scrape ice off your windshield and windows for maximum visibility. Keep your headlights on low-beam mode. Drive slowly and give yourself plenty of room between the vehicles ahead of you. In icy conditions, you should use extreme caution as you accelerate, and slow as you approach turns and intersections. Depending on the conditions, shifting to a lower gear may maximize your control. 

In case of a slip-up

Even when you’re extra cautious on the road, you can still become the victim of an accident. If you’re involved in a crash, remember to prioritize your health and safety. Seek medical attention immediately. If you’re in a position to remove yourself from the car, do so. After you’ve checked yourself for injuries, inspect others involved in the crash if you’re able to do so. Call 911 and administer first aid. 

Winter conditions present different challenges in the aftermath of a crash. If you’re in a busy area, it’s important to move the vehicles involved to the side of the road. Others may experience the same difficulty driving on the road, and you don’t want to become the victim of a second accident while recovering from the aftermath of an initial crash. After an accident, victims often have to wait at the scene for some time before emergency personnel arrive. During the winter, this can mean waiting outside for hours. Along with a first aid kit, consider keeping some winter gear in your car. Include items that can come in handy while you wait in colder temperatures and potentially dark conditions like an extra jacket, nonperishable food, and a flashlight. 

When emergency personnel arrives on the scene, recount your memories of the accident. Tell them what led up to it, what road conditions were like at the time of the crash, and any other details. If you are able to provide any pictures or videos obtained after the crash, it can become important evidence down the road.

Recovering

Being the victim of a car crash can shake you up. Even if you don’t have obvious physical injuries, you could still be hesitant to get back on the road. If you were involved in a minor accident, it’s worthwhile to visit a doctor after a crash. If you are experiencing noticeable pain, make note of it. Victims in car crashes often experience similar injuries, such as neck and back pain, as well as discomfort in joints. Because so many of the injuries are similar, many people who experience a car crash visit a chiropractor. A chiropractor specializes in pain relief and recovery, with a particular focus on the joints. The right chiropractor can design a recovery plan unique to you and your injuries. The sooner you visit a chiropractor after an accident, the faster they can help you feel better. 

Back on the road

Staying completely off the road whenever there’s winter weather isn’t realistic. If you have to drive, make sure you feel comfortable doing so and know how to perform in snowy and icy conditions. Always make sure you’ve packed certain equipment in your car in case of a crash during cold conditions. If you are in a crash, focus on your health and safety first and then the well-being of others. Consider visiting a chiropractor to get a professional’s opinion about any injuries  you may have and create a plan to return to full health. 

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