Winter brings cold and icy conditions across Northern Ireland. This often leads to dangerous road conditions, increasing the risk of car accidents. That’s why de-icing your car is an essential task to ensure the safety of yourself and other road users.
The safety perils of driving with ice buildup
De-icing your car is vital for maintaining visibility and control while driving. In cold weather, ice can quickly accumulate on your windscreen, side windows, and car mirrors. If you fail to de-ice your car properly, your visibility will be compromised, making it difficult to see other cars, pedestrians, and other hazards on the road.
In addition, driving on icy roads requires extra care and attention. If your car is not de-iced, you may lose control of your vehicle, causing an accident that could result in serious injury or even death.
It’s recommended to allocate a few minutes before your journey to defrost your vehicle and remove any snow or ice from the windshield. To ensure preparedness, it’s a good idea to keep an ice-scraper or de-icer in your car at all times
The ice cold reality of the law
Clearing ice and snow from your windshield before driving is crucial for both safety and legal reasons. Most people aren’t aware that you’re not only likely breaking the law, but you’re also significantly limiting your visibility which will put yourself and others in danger.
The Highway Code states that “you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from your windows.” It advises that in icy conditions you should take great care and allow more time for your journey. It suggests that you should have an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper in your car at all times in order to help.
What to do if you’re a victim of a winter accident in Northern Ireland
Have you been involved in a road collision caused by another driver who failed to properly clear ice or snow off their vehicle? If their poor visibility contributed to the crash, the other driver may be considered negligent for failing to take reasonable safety precautions.
In such cases, you may have grounds to pursue compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, lost income, medical expenses,and other damages you might have incurred. With over 50 years of experience successfully dealing with winter driving accident claims across Northern Ireland, our team of personal injury solicitors can advise you of your options. Rest assured knowing that we’re here to help recover the compensation you deserve.
Don’t struggle alone after a winter accident. Wherever you are in Northern Ireland, contact our offices in Belfast, Glengormley or Carrickfergus to arrange a free consultation with one of our experts. We’ll take the time to understand your unique situation and provide easy to understand legal guidance. We can build a strong claim and relentlessly fight for fair compensation. This winter, stay safe on the roads – and know we’re here if you need support recovering damages after an accident.
