Auto Accidents Attorneys
Icy Road Conditions & Pedestrian Accidents

Washington, D.C., Virginia, & Maryland

Pedestrian accidents, also referred to as crosswalk accidents, are often caused by driver negligence including speeding or simply not paying attention. In addition, icy road conditions can be a big factor in pedestrian accidents.

The introduction of anti-lock brakes, 4-wheel drive, vehicle stability assistance, and the popularity of SUVs, makes drivers feel safer behind the wheel. Unfortunately, in icy conditions, these same technological improvements may create a false sense of safety that increases the chance of car accidents. When an accident involves pedestrians, the result may be catastrophic.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,881 pedestrians were killed in accidents with motor vehicles in 2005, and 64,000 were injured. Drivers constantly have to be aware of their speed, other cars on the road, foreign objects in the roadway, road work, and pedestrians. Add snow or ice into the mix, and there are often deadly results. The experienced car accident attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. can help determine if you are entitled to receive compensation if you have been involved in a pedestrian accident resulting from bad road conditions.

Ice creates deadly conditions for both pedestrians and vehicles. Ice obviously lengthens a driver's stopping time, causing spin-outs and loss of control, but it also creates difficult walking conditions for pedestrians. Icy road conditions not only cause pedestrians to slip and fall in the road, but snow piled up on the sidewalks can also force pedestrians to walk in the street.

There are a few things pedestrians can do, especially in winter conditions, to keep both themselves and the drivers on the road safer including:

• Always wear light colored or reflective clothing
• Carry a flashlight at night
• Always cross at crosswalks
• Wait for the cars approaching the intersection to stop before crossing the street
• Use sidewalks whenever possible

Not only do icy roads make it more difficult for cars to stop, but snowy conditions create poor visibility as well. Even if it is not currently snowing, blowing snow conditions can also reduce visibility. Another danger is black ice. Black ice is a term used to describe ice that forms without air bubbles, which causes it to take the color of whatever material lies beneath it. Since black ice is transparent and virtually impossible for drivers to see, it is one of the most dangerous road conditions, and it poses a significant risk to drivers and pedestrians.

Regardless of the vast improvements made to vehicle safety over the years, it is still imperative for both pedestrians and drivers to practice extreme caution when driving or walking in inclement weather conditions. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident or any accident involving icy roads, contact the experienced Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia auto accident attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today.

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