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5 Factors Increasing the Risk of Car Accidents During Arizona Winters

Posted on January 26, 2023 in

Being involved in a car accident during Arizona winters can be a difficult and stressful experience. You are likely to suffer injuries (with pain, emotional upset and the cost of medical treatment), damages to your vehicle, and lost time and/or lost wages from work. It’s important to understand your legal rights and options during this difficult time. 

At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, a team of experienced car accident attorneys can help you navigate the complex legal system and get the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have helped hundreds of our clients successfully navigate personal injury claims and secure fair compensation. Increase your chances of recovering full and fair compensation today by contacting Jensen Phelan Law Firm.

5 Factors That Increase the Risk of Car Accidents in the Winter

Arizona is a state known for its warm and sunny climate, but that doesn’t mean that it’s immune to harsh winter weather. In fact, during the winter months, Arizona can experience icy roads, freezing temperatures, and even snow. These conditions can make driving in Arizona during the winter months extremely dangerous. Some factors that increase the risk of car accidents during Arizona winters can include: 

Icy Roads

One of the most significant risk factors during Arizona winters is icy roads. When temperatures drop below freezing, any moisture on the road can turn into ice, making the road extremely slippery. This can easily happen at dusk as the temperatures drop, and moisture on the road turns into “black ice,” which is difficult to see and hard to drive safely on. Ice on roads, visible or not, can make it difficult to maintain control of a vehicle, leading to accidents. To reduce the risk of accidents during icy conditions, it’s important to slow down and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.

Limited Visibility

During the winter months, the shorter days and longer nights can reduce visibility on the roads. Add to that the occasional snowstorm, and it can be difficult to see the road ahead. This can lead to accidents, especially if drivers are not paying close attention. To reduce the risk of accidents during limited visibility, drivers should make sure their headlights are in good working order and use them when necessary. Also, slow down to allow for more reaction time.

Inexperienced Drivers

Arizona has a significant population of snowbirds, who are people who come from colder climates to spend the winter in the warmer climate of Arizona. While this can be a great way to escape the cold, it can also lead to inexperienced drivers on the roads. Snowbirds who are not familiar with driving on icy roads can pose a significant risk to other drivers. Drivers should be patient and cautious when sharing the road with inexperienced drivers.

Fatigue

During the winter months, the shorter days may disrupt your normal habits and make it difficult to get enough sleep, leading to fatigue. Fatigue can impair a driver’s ability to react quickly to changing road conditions, leading to accidents. To reduce the risk of accidents due to fatigue, drivers should make sure they get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Finally, poor vehicle maintenance can increase the risk of accidents during Arizona winters. Cold weather can be hard on a vehicle, and if it’s not properly maintained, it can lead to mechanical failures. This can be especially dangerous when driving on icy roads. Drivers should make sure their vehicles are in good working order before driving in the winter. Vehicle tires that are fine in good weather may not perform safely in snow or icy conditions.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today

There are many factors that can increase the risk of car accidents during Arizona winters. However, it is still up to drivers to adhere to traffic laws and practice safe driving. When drivers fail to uphold their duty of care, the consequences can be dire. At Jensen Phelan Law Firm, our attorneys understand the ins and outs of personal injury law and can help you secure the fair compensation you are owed. 

Jensen Phelan Law Firm offers a free assessment of your case and an explanation of your rights. You may be unsure of how to proceed after a serious accident, but that’s where Jensen Phelan Law Firm and our over 65 years of combined experience comes in. Contact us today to schedule a consultation by completing our online contact form or calling (928) 778-2660.