How the Cold Affects Tires and Increases the Risk of Car Accidents
It’s bitterly cold in the Bellingham area this week and with plenty of snow in the forecast, we are dealing with icy and snowy road conditions. We all know that snow and ice increases the risk of car accidents and the statistics bear this out. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), 24 percent of all weather-related crashes happen because of snowy, icy roads. Additionally, more than 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in motor vehicle accidents on roads covered in snow, slush or ice each year. What many do not know is that the cold can also affect tire performance and therefore increase the risk of a collision. This is especially true when tires are already worn down.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by a driver who was driving on worn down tires, you have a right to seek compensation for your losses. As drivers we owe a duty of care to all other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the road and this includes a responsibility to keep our vehicles well maintained. Contact a local car accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights.