Winter in the Midwest brings cold weather, festive gatherings, and family travel—but it also brings some of the most dangerous driving conditions of the year. For residents of Ohio and Kentucky, the combination of snow, ice, reduced daylight, and heavy holiday traffic significantly increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents. While no one plans to be involved in a crash, understanding the hazards of the season can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.
At Jones Kahan Law, LLC, we regularly assist injured clients during the winter months, and year after year we see the same trends: preventable crashes caused by weather, rushing, distractions, or impaired driving. Here’s what you should know to stay safe this season—and what to do if an accident happens.
1. Winter Weather Brings Elevated Risks
Winter weather conditions can make even the most familiar roads hazardous. In both Ohio and Kentucky, drivers frequently encounter:
- Icy roads and black ice
- Heavy snowfall and slush
- Freezing rain
- Fog and reduced visibility
- Early sunsets and glare
Black ice, in particular, is a major contributor to winter collisions because it’s nearly invisible. Bridges, overpasses, rural roads, and shaded areas freeze faster and stay slick longer.
Even at low speeds, sliding on ice can cause rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, and multi-vehicle pileups—especially on interstates like I-75, I-71, and I-275.
Safety Tip: Reduce speed, increase following distance, and approach intersections, ramps, and bridges with caution. Your tires and brakes can’t perform normally on slippery surfaces.
2. Holiday Traffic Intensifies the Danger
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, road travel spikes significantly. More cars means more opportunities for collisions, and several factors contribute to the increased risk:
- Long-distance travel and driver fatigue
- Rushing between holiday events
- Stress and distraction
- Increased impaired driving
- Crowded shopping areas and parking lots
Parking lot accidents, pedestrian incidents, and rear-end crashes rise sharply during this time of year. Even small fender benders can cause injuries like whiplash, back strain, and concussions—which often worsen if left untreated.
Safety Tip: Plan extra travel time, stay off your phone, and avoid peak travel hours when possible.
3. Drunk and Drug-Impaired Driving Peaks During the Holidays
Holiday celebrations often involve alcohol, and unfortunately, that leads to a predictable rise in impaired driving accidents. DUIs tend to increase on:
- Thanksgiving Eve
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Even a small amount of alcohol can reduce reaction time, and mixing alcohol with winter weather creates a deadly combination. Drug impairment—including prescription medications and recreational marijuana—also contributes to seasonal crashes.
Safety Tip: If you plan to drink, use a designated driver, rideshare service, or stay overnight. And never assume the other drivers around you are sober—drive defensively.
4. Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Conditions
A well-maintained vehicle can make a huge difference in winter safety. Before the cold weather gets worse, take time to check:
- Tire tread and tire pressure
- Windshield wipers and washer fluid
- Headlights and brake lights
- Battery health
- Emergency supplies (blankets, flashlight, scraper, first aid kit)
Winter tires or all-weather tires can significantly improve traction on icy or snowy roads.
Safety Tip: Keep at least half a tank of gas and avoid using cruise control when roads are slick.
5. Slow Down and Drive for the Conditions
Many winter accidents happen because drivers fail to adjust their speed for weather conditions. The posted speed limit assumes ideal conditions—on icy roads, that speed may be far too fast.
Ohio and Kentucky law both recognize that drivers must operate their vehicles carefully based on road and weather conditions. This means a driver traveling the speed limit can still be considered negligent if they were going too fast for icy or snowy conditions.
Safety Tip: If the weather is bad, slow down, turn on your headlights, and leave extra space around your vehicle.
6. What to Do If You’re Involved in a Winter Accident
Even the most cautious driver can find themselves in a crash caused by another person’s negligence. If an accident occurs:
- Check for injuries and call 911.
- Move to a safe location if possible.
- Document the scene—photos of road conditions, vehicle damage, and skid marks can be crucial.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Avoid admitting fault or discussing details with the other party.
- Seek medical attention even if you feel “fine”—winter accidents often cause soft-tissue injuries that appear later.
- Contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters.
Insurance companies often try to blame winter accidents on “the weather,” but negligent driving is usually the real cause. An experienced attorney can help establish what actually happened and protect your right to compensation.
7. Jones Kahan Law, LLC Is Here to Help This Winter
At Jones Kahan Law, LLC, we understand the complications that winter accidents can bring. From disputed fault to delayed medical treatment and insurance pushback, winter crashes are rarely straightforward.
If you’ve been injured in an accident this season, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Our team proudly represents injury victims across Ohio and Kentucky, helping them secure the medical care and compensation they deserve.
Stay Safe—And Know We’re Here When You Need Us
Winter roads and holiday traffic create real dangers, but taking precautions can help protect you and your family. And if the unexpected happens, you can count on Jones Kahan Law, LLC to stand by your side.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a winter or holiday-related accident, contact us today for a free consultation.
