Everyone knows that snowy conditions create many more accidents than usual (more than 1.5 million crashes a year are due to adverse weather). What most people don't realize is that their normal good driving skills on dry roads may be a big part of the problem.  The answer is so simple, many people never even think of it.

    You see, in normal conditions a good driver needs to be ready to brake quickly, turn quickly, and possibly even accelerate quickly to avoid dangers from other drivers. Many drivers have mastered these skills and are confident driving the roadways of Pennsylvania and New Jersey in clear weather.

    So when it snows, why do we suddenly see crazy accidents like this one?

    The reason, of course, is that all of our usual good driving skills on dry roads turn into very bad driving skills on slippery roads. Take a look at a list of driving tips for snowy roads, by AAA:

- Accelerate and decelerate slowly
- Take turns very slowly and take as wide a turn as possible
- Maintain a steady, slow speed (downshift if needed)
- Keep a very large following distance from cars in front of you

    As you can see, the ability to stop or turn quickly doesn't help a driver on a slippery road. The driver is best served by doing all those things slowly. In fact, a good snow driver is one who pretends that they have fewer skills and therefore applies the highest amount of caution and safety techniques. The slightest turn or braking will leave drivers skidding out of control. Even the best drivers can't steer a car through a turn while it is sliding out of control on snow.

    Always be sure to prepare your winter car survival kit and clear the snow properly from your vehicle before heading out. If you can, try to avoid travel entirely. Our office has handled many injury claims from car accidents caused by drivers who do not drive safely in wintry weather. If you have been injured in such an accident, be sure to contact us right away.

    Everyone knows that snow causes headaches, but did you know there is a time limit for property owners to clear their property safely or they may face city fines? There's even the possibility of civil lawsuits. When winter hits, homeowners and landlords should grab their shovel, stock up on salt and get the job done right to avoid these complications. Read more for details and the time limit to clear the snow before fines are given.

City Fines

    Under the Philadelphia Code, all property owners must meet the following requirements for snow removal:

          - Clear the sidewalk with a 3 foot wide path through the snow and ice
             (A one foot path may be cleared if the sidewalk is less than 3 feet wide)
          - Avoid clearing any snow or ice into the street
          - Multifamily houses must be cleared by the property owner or their contractor
          - Must be completed within 6 hours after snowfall ends

    Any property owner who does not comply with these requirements faces up to $300 in fines. However, there is an even bigger threat to a property owner who fails their duty to clear the ice and snow:

Civil Lawsuits

    Every year, thousands of lawsuits are filed from people slipping on snow or ice and injuring themselves. If the falls occurs on private property, the owner of that property may be found legally responsible and be required to pay for the damages. 

    A property owner who fails to clear snow or ice from their property, or who clears it poorly and unsafely, is running the risk of being hauled into court and facing responsibility for the injuries. 

    If you are a renter, it is very important that you look at your lease to see if you are responsible for snow and ice removal. You may be required to perform these duties instead of the landlord. Any failure to do so could result in a personal lawsuit against you if someone is injured on the snow or ice. 

If You Fall On Property That Was Not Safely Cleared

    If you are injured as a result of an unsafe condition involving snow or ice, be sure to contact us immediately. There are many important details in snow and ice cases, and timing is crucial.