How to Drive in Inclement Weather

May 5, 2022

Getting behind the wheel during harsh weather conditions can be treacherous. In fact, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), nearly 4,000 fatal crashes and over 301,100 injury crashes occur in adverse weather conditions annually.


Not only can adverse weather conditions impact visibility for drivers, but the harsh weather can also play a significant role in poor vehicle performance and negatively affect driver behaviors which can result in a deadly crash.

Any time you get behind the wheel, there is always a risk of an accident involved. However, bad weather can greatly increase this risk, and it's important to be always prepared for the unexpected turn of events.

Your safety is a priority to us; that's why our Luzerne County car accident lawyers provide essential tips for driving in various weather conditions to protect yourself in inclement weather and arrive at your destination safely.

Heavy Rain

Did you know that driving in rain and wet road conditions is one of the most hazardous weather to drive in? According to the FHWA, 70% of crashes happen on wet pavement, while 46% occur during rainfall.


Several contributing factors can cause driving in the rain to be dangerous. Wet road conditions can be very slippery and often cause reduced visibility for drivers.

During heavy rainfall, your vehicle's reaction time is significantly slower, and your tires may lose traction more easily, which often leads to hydroplaning or skidding across the road. To combat these wet adverse conditions, follow these tips:

  • Turn your headlights on to improve visibility.
  • Utilize windshield wipers.
  • Maintain a safe following distance.
  • Watch out for standing water to avoid hydroplaning.
  • Watch your speed.

Fog

Compared to other adverse weather conditions, only 3% of crashes occur in the presence of fog. However, foggy conditions can still present hazards and lead to dangerous driving conditions due to poor visibility.


Fog can make it challenging for motorists to spot potential road hazards and make it difficult to judge driving distance and speed. If you find yourself driving in foggy conditions, here are some things you can do to ensure your safety.

  • Reduce your speed.
  • Leave an ample amount of space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Use low beams and avoid using high beams, as they will reflect off the fog and make it harder to see.
  • Stay alert and minimize all distractions. Driving in foggy conditions requires your full attention.

Snow/Ice

According to research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, winter driving conditions cause nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 fatalities every winter season. Furthermore, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that, in 2019, there were 440 fatal crashes and roughly 33,000 injury crashes that occurred in winter conditions.


Driving through wet, slushy, or snowy pavements can be hazardous for motorists, especially when the roads turn into a layer of ice if the temperatures are below freezing.These winter conditions can reduce traction between your tires and the road's surface, leading to losing control of your vehicle or even a severe accident.

Another hidden and particularly deadly part of these winter conditions is black ice. Black ice is hazardous because drivers rarely see it coming, and brakes may not work properly on it.

Snow and ice can make even the simplest of tasks difficult, so here are a few tips to help you stay safe:

  • Accelerate slowly in icy conditions.
  • Plan your route ahead of time.
  • Avoid risky driving behaviors.
  • Always remove snow and ice from your vehicle before driving.
  • Get regular maintenance for your car; it is also recommended to check your car battery when the temperature drops.

Contact Car Accident Lawyers In Luzerne County

Our team at Slusser Law Firm is committed to protecting the rights of clients who have been injured in car accidents. If you or a loved one have been involved in a crash, our seasoned attorneys can help get you the compensation to which you are entitled to.


If you have been in a car accident, contact us today at to schedule a free case consultation.


January 20, 2025
The holidays are a time to hit the road and visit loved ones, but winter weather doesn’t always make things easy. Snow, ice, and long road trips can lead to accidents, especially when you’re driving through unfamiliar areas. Getting in an accident is already stressful – and being far from home can make it even more complicated. Here’s what you need to know if you find yourself in an accident while traveling out of town – and how Slusser Law Firm can help. Focus on safety first If you’re in an accident, especially in winter conditions, take a moment to check that everyone in your car is safe. Move to a safer location if possible, especially on icy roads where other drivers might be having a hard time stopping. Call emergency services if anyone is injured, and get medical attention as soon as possible if you need it. Health comes first. Collect important details Documenting the accident is key – no matter where you are. Take photos of the accident scene, road conditions, and vehicle damage. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s) involved, if any, and get the names and contact details of any witnesses. Know your rights – even out of state Here’s where things get a bit more complicated: If you’re in an accident outside of Pennsylvania, different state laws might come into play. Insurance rules, deadlines for reporting injuries, and liability laws can vary from state to state. While it may sound overwhelming, Slusser Law Firm is here to help you navigate these complexities and make sure you’re covered, even when things aren’t straightforward. Don’t wait to reach out for help After an accident, especially if you’re away from home, you may feel unsure about what to do next. Give us a call. We’ve got experience handling out-of-town cases, and we’ll walk you through every step to make sure your rights are protected. Our team is here to answer your questions and give you peace of mind during the holidays. Dealing with an accident far from home doesn’t have to be a headache. At Slusser Law Firm, we make sure that you’re well-informed and fully supported, no matter where you are. With our help, you can focus on what matters most this season: spending time with family, recovering, and enjoying the holiday spirit. If you have questions about holiday travel safety, accident claims, or anything in between, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re available 24/7 to help you stay prepared and protected.
January 13, 2025
If you're like most people, car insurance terms can feel like a different language. Insurance companies love to push "limited tort" because it’s cheaper – they say it’ll save you money now. But what they don’t tell you is that it could cost you way more in the long run if you ever get hurt in an accident. Let’s break it down.  What’s the difference between full tort and limited tort? Full Tort: This option lets you claim compensation for all of your losses, pain and suffering included, if you’re injured in an accident. Think of it as a full-access pass to the benefits you’re paying for. Limited Tort: Sure, it might lower your monthly premium, but there’s a big catch. With limited tort, you’re generally limited in what you can recover. You may still be able to claim for medical bills, but pain and suffering? Not so much. Unless your injuries are classified as “serious” – and proving that can be a tall order – you’re out of luck. Why full tort is worth it Look, I get it. Insurance can get expensive, and limited tort seems like a quick way to save. But here’s the reality: car accidents can be life-changing. Medical bills, lost work, the pain – all of it adds up. If you go with limited tort, you could be left with bills that far outweigh the savings you pocketed upfront. When you’re paying for full tort, you’re investing in peace of mind. If the worst happens, you’ve got the flexibility to pursue compensation that truly reflects what you’re going through. Let’s make it real Imagine this: You’re hit in a collision that wasn’t your fault. You have some injuries – maybe a few fractures and weeks of painful recovery. But since you have limited tort, getting compensated for the emotional and physical toll might not be in the cards. Full tort? You’d be covered for those losses. It’s the difference between getting only some of what you need versus being fully supported. So, what should you do? If you’re serious about protecting yourself, go with full tort. You’ll pay a bit more upfront, but the benefits if you’re ever in an accident are worth every penny. It’s like wearing a helmet when you ride a motorcycle – you hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be grateful it’s there if you do. At Slusser Law Firm, your fight is our fight, and we're here to help you understand your options and make sure you’re fully protected. If you have questions about car insurance choices, personal injury cases, or anything else, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to chat 24/7 and make these big decisions feel a little less daunting.
January 6, 2025
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