Driving can be a challenge for everyone during the winter. No matter how many years you’ve been on the road, the unpredictable conditions combined with reduced visibility and fewer hours of daylight make for a drive that is difficult, across the board.
During these times, new drivers and elderly drivers are some of the most at-risk populations on the roads. Given the constantly changing nature of winter roads, drivers in these demographics may face challenges when they get behind the wheel.
A recent story out of Denver offers a reminder to keep your most at-risk drivers safe this winter.
A collision between a semi-truck and an SUV resulted in the death of the SUV driver. The elderly man, whose name has not been released, died at the scene. The crash caused the ramp from northbound Interstate 25 to eastbound Interstate 76 to close for almost two hours. Our deepest condolences go out to the family of the deceased man.
In the wake of this accident, we cannot help but be reminded of the importance of careful driving during the winter months. Although we are not certain of the specific details that caused the collision, staying aware of your surroundings is always a good place to start.
Especially for drivers of larger vehicles like semi-trucks, it can be easy to lose sight of smaller drivers on the road. However, driving is always a privilege and responsibility, so it’s important to keep yourself and those around you safe.
What Can You Do?
If you have new or elderly drivers in your family, now is a good time to make sure they feel comfortable on the winter roads. Having a discussion ahead of time is the best way to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
And, if you discover that a loved one would prefer not to drive when the roads are snowy or icy, it may be helpful to provide alternative options. While you may not be able to offer a ride yourself, you may be able to suggest a rideshare possibility such as Uber or Lyft. Or, if public transportation is reliable, you may recommend using that.
Ultimately, there is no reason for anyone who is uncomfortable on the winter roads to have to drive them. As a Denver accident attorney, we see plenty of collisions that could have been prevented. We know you don’t want yourself or your family members to end up in harm’s way behind the wheel, especially if there are other transportation options.
However, we also know that, despite all of our best efforts, accidents do happen. If you or a loved one have been injured in an automobile accident, we are here to help. Our firm is prepared to answer your questions. So, feel free to contact us.
We’ll set up an initial consultation, listen to your story, and help you put the pieces of your life back together.
