There’s no denying that snow and ice can wreak havoc on your commute in Spokane Valley. But this is even more true when the weather turns bad very quickly, as it did earlier this week. According to a story from the Spokane Spokesman-Review, six inches of snow fell on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
This quick snowfall caused significant delays along Interstate 90, the most severe of which involved a 12-vehicle accident. According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the accidents happened between Barker Road and Liberty Lake in Spokane Valley. These accidents saw minor injuries for a few drivers, none of which were life threatening. Within the city limits of Spokane, there were 19 car accidents within the 11-hour period of snow. Nine of these accidents resulted in injuries, with four of them being hit-and-runs.
The eastbound lane of I-90 was shut down at about 1:00 p.m. for the 12-vehicle crash, but was reopened by 4:30 p.m. WSP and WSDOT have advised drivers to take extra time and caution if they have to travel in more snow.
Can You Avoid Car Accidents in Snow?
Unfortunately, part of living in Spokane means encountering snow on the roads, especially at this time of the year. This obviously makes it more difficult to drive safely, not just for you but for other drivers as well. Even with these increased challenges, you still have a duty to drive in a way that prevents accidents. While they can’t always be avoided, here’s a few ways in which you can protect yourself in the snow:
- Drive slower – Drive at a slower speed than usual to account for slippery roads, providing more time to react to obstacles.
- Keep a safe distance – Snowy roads require more stopping distance, so maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Try to avoid sudden stops or cuts – Steer and brake gently to prevent your car from losing traction and sliding on snow or ice.
- Stay calm – If you start to slide or lose control, stay calm, avoid overcorrecting, and steer in the desired direction while gently applying the brakes.
- Use lower gears – If you have a manual transmission, use lower gears when driving downhill to enhance control on slippery roads.
- Make sure your headlights are on and clear – Turn on your headlights to improve visibility and make it easier for others to see you.
Remember, if you’re not comfortable driving in snow, it’s better to stay off the roads until conditions improve. Sometimes, that’s not possible. If this leads to a car accident and you are hurt, consider speaking to our team of car accident lawyers at CCD Law.
Free Consultations For Spokane Car Accident Victims
Since 1948, CCD Law has helped victims of car accidents in Spokane and the surrounding area. When there’s bad weather or other factors that cause you injuries in a car accident, we’ll be there to explain your legal options and how you can recover things like medical expenses, pain, suffering, or lost wages. Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.