Black ice skid accident in Rhode Island
The first signs of winter in Rhode Island are usually good indicators of the most treacherous time to be on the roadway when motorists are required to slow down and use more caution when driving. This is because treacherous black ice can become invisible to drivers and cause chaos on highways, roadways and city streets where vehicles can easily lose control.
Black Ice Accident in RI
In many black ice incidences in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, the frozen ice is covered by snow or becomes indistinguishable during adverse weather conditions and after dark. During a black ice event, drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists can slip and slide over roads, sidewalks and parking lots. Black ice in RI is not only particularly dangerous, but can be deadly when a motorist is driving too fast under hazardous environmental conditions.
The formation of black ice occurs when moisture freezes on the road surface, creating a thin slippery surface. Often times, the ice freezes in a color similar to the roadway, making it challenging to spot while driving. While the formation of black ice can occur naturally making for slippery, slick and icy roads, it can also be the result of an improperly designed or incompetently maintained roadway that lacks adequate drainage.
If a motorist is injured as a result of negligence of another then the injured motorist should contact a Rhode Island personal injury attorney or a RI car accident lawyer. Nearly all Rhode Island car accidents that occur on black ice are catastrophic because drivers can easily lose tire traction. Motorists and passengers can be thrown inside their vehicle’s cab when the automobile loses control and slams into an object or other car. Many East providence auto and motor vehicle accidents on black ice involve multiple vehicles that crash into the back, front and sides of other cars and trucks.
Preventing Motor Vehicle Accidents on Black Ice
Driving safely is the easiest way to prevent any vehicle accident in the Ocean State. However, because of icy roads and slippery surfaces, black ice can easily cause the driver to lose control. To maximize safety, drivers in Rhode Island should prepare for adverse weather by maintaining the vehicle’s tires for additional traction and windshield wipers to improve visibility. Slippery surfaces and minimum visibility can cause slippery consequences especially when the tires give way to the ice below.
Devices using advanced technology can assist drivers even though they are unable to solve all issues involving icy roads. All-wheel-drive (AWD) and anti-lock braking systems (ABS) can help improve roadway stability. If the vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, the driver should apply slight foot pressure on the brake pedal and hold it down to allow the ABS to start cycling. Typically, the brake will make a noise and cause a pulse in the foot pedal to alert the driver that the system is working. When traveling on icy roads, it is essential to ease up a bit on the brake pedal to allow the pulsing to occur. All-wheel-drive vehicles are usually equipped with electronic stability controls designed to minimize braking issues and handling on icy roads. However, these systems tend to provide a false sense of security because they are only effective when the vehicle is moving or accelerating. All-wheel-drive is completely ineffective when taking a snow-covered turn or attempting to stop the vehicle at icy intersections.
Detecting Black Ice
There are proactive measures that every driver can use to minimize the potential of being involved in a black ice accident in Providence RI. If the roadway appears to be slick or shiny, it most likely is covered in black ice. It is best to check headlights and taillights to ensure they are not covered in snow to improve visibility. Avoid driving with high beams when possible and instead slow down and focus attention to the roadway during nighttime conditions.
Regardless of car preparation and the driving skills of the motorist, many weather conditions make it nearly impossible to conquer black ice. Staying off the roadway during hazardous conditions and waiting until the road surfaces have been cleared is usually a wise decision during and after an adverse weather event. If you or a loved one was injured as a result of the negligence or carelessness of another motorist then you should contact a Rhode Island personal injury lawyer or RI car accident lawyer. Providence personal injury lawyers or an afff foam lawyer, a RI personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve as a result of your automobile or trucking collision or crash.
Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility:
The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. While this firm maintains joint responsibility, most cases of this type are referred to other attorneys for principle responsibility.