Car drivers across Lexington are urged to take extra caution as the city sees its first snowfall. Snowy weather caught many locals off-guard as, on average, the first snowfall in Lexington does not happen until the end of November, while the first inch of snow is usually accumulated around December 20. According to WKYT, rain transitioned into snow Monday night, prompting Lexington’s road crews to prepare for snow and ice removal operations across the city. The Scott County Road Department’s JR Brandenburg told WKYT that plows and spreaders are prepared for the early snow season “to the best of our ability.” In fact, Lexington has an extra 7,000 tons of salt in a new salt barn. Road crews will also be testing a new plowing and salting technique this year in an attempt to save both salt and money for years to come. Deputy Director of Lexington Streets and Roads Rob Allen told the publication that they anticipate using 20% less salt with the new technique that involves pre-wetting salt.

Establishing fault in a car accident in winter weather can be a daunting task because liability is not immediately clear in road crashes involving snow and ice on slick and wet roads. A Lexington car accident attorney at Roberts Law Office can help determine liability in a collision where adverse weather conditions played a role.

Winter Driving Safety Tips for Lexington Motorists in 2019-2020

As Lexington prepares for an unusually early winter season this year, it is crucial for motorists to take extra caution when driving in winter weather. Some of the winter weather driving safety tips include:

  • Leave at least six to 10 seconds of distance between your vehicle and the car ahead of you, especially on bridges and overpasses, which tend to freeze much faster than roads. In normal weather conditions, the recommended following distance is usually between three and four seconds.
  • Reduce speed significantly when driving on roads covered in snow or ice.
  • Apply and remove the pressure to the gas and brake pedals as smoothly as you can.
  • Pay attention to any signs of a loss of traction while braking, accelerating, or cornering.
  • Make sure that you have winter tires that would allow your vehicle to brake, steer, and accelerate more safely in snow and ice.
  • Always scan the road ahead of your vehicle to minimize the need for sudden braking, which could cause you to lose control of your car in winter weather.
  • When accelerating, avoid placing too much pressure on the gas pedal as this could cause the wheels to lose traction and spin.
  • As for steering on snow and ice, avoid quick movements of the steering wheel. Instead, steering should be as smooth and controlled as possible to prevent oversteering and understeering.
  • Avoid applying extra gas on snow- and ice-covered roads when attempting to reach the hill as this could cause your wheel to spin. Instead, get a little inertia going before you start moving up a hill. When you reach the crest, drop your speed to proceed downhill slowly.

Speak with a Lexington car accident attorney if you were in a car crash caused by adverse weather conditions. Contact Roberts Law Office to get a free case evaluation. Call at (859) 231-0202.