The freezing cold weather conditions in Chicago, IL have led to dangerous roadway conditions for drivers. Black ice and freezing rain have caused hundreds of collisions already, some ending with fatalities. ABC Chicago 7 reported that a Winter Weather Advisory was in effect in Cook, DuPage, Ford, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Livingston and Will counties in the state of Illinois as the weather conditions continue to contribute to major accidents. Illinois State Police reported that at least 135 collisions occurred in Kendall, Grundy, and Will counties and one of the worst was said to involve 20 vehicles. The collision occurred on I-57 near 159th Street and involved a semi-truck.
Aside from the accidents, the black ice has also caused vehicles to spin out of control and some to fall into ditches. While many weather-related accidents are more difficult to prevent, you may be able to help reduce your chances of being the initiator of an accident by implementing these tips our Chicago personal injury lawyers have provided below for you.
How should I drive on black ice?
Because black ice is transparent and isn’t visible as ice , this makes it much more difficult for drivers to know when they may be approaching it.
- One way to help prevent your vehicle from potentially sliding on black ice is to know where to look and the times it generally forms. According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), black ice forms most commonly during the night or in the early morning. These times are usually when temperatures are at their lowest and there is no sun to warm up the roads. It also tends to form on the areas of the road that generally don’t get sunlight, roadways that are rarely driven on, and even bridge overpasses and the roads beneath an overpass.
- Remain attentive– If you see a vehicle in front of you that swerves abruptly, it may be due toblack ice. It is important that while driving, your full attention is on the road, and not on a cellphone or the radio. By avoiding distractions, you can watch out for vehicles that slide and be attentive of areas where there may be a buildup of black ice.
- Lookout for glossy patches on the road– If you are driving on a road where the majority of the road appears to be a dull black color, but a portion ahead appears to be shiny, this shiny portion may be black ice.
- Don’t panic when you encounter a sheet of black ice. If you end up driving over a patch of black ice, remain calm and avoid hitting your brakes or jerking your steering wheel. If your car feels like it is sliding to the left or the right, the USDA suggests you make a very gentle turn of the steering wheel in the same direction. If you attempt to turn the wheel in the opposite direction, you risk skidding or spinning out of control.
By implementing these tips and being aware of the weather conditions that impact your driving, you have a greater chance of avoiding an accident. However, if you were recently involved in a car or truck collision near the Chicagoland area, don’t hesitate to contact the Chicago truck accident lawyers at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. Remember, if are injured in a truck accident caused by the negligent actions of others, you are entitled to fair compensation, even if the insurance companies might try to get you to think otherwise. With over 50 years of combined experience, the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. has a reputation for tough litigation and the expertise to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 1-312-384-1920 or 1-800-693-1LAW to schedule a free initial consultation.
