Winter driving hazards are plentiful in Pennsylvania during the ice, snow and slush season. Driving some days can be almost impossible due to bad weather and road conditions and that hits home really hard in light of a recent accident on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Just about 25 percent of all weather-related crashes are the result of snowy, slushy and icy roads. And it's not just the condition of the roads that is an issue. The reduced visibility can be a major problem as well.

Sixty people were injured and five killed in a horrific multi-vehicle crash involving a tour bus and three tractor-trailers which included a FedEx and a UPS truck. The tour bus was driving in the left lane, and crashed into the center barrier, shooting across the road and up an embankment when it promptly rolled and slid back onto the road, blocking both lanes of traffic. What happened next was a chain reaction of collision after collision. There were five killed, the bus driver and a passenger, two UPS drivers and a young child on the tour bus.

At the time of the accident, the PA Turnpike was extremely slippery and the result of the bus sliding out of control sent dozens of people to hospital to have their injuries treated. This was one of the worst accidents in the State in years, but unfortunately, it is not an isolated incident. Winter brings out the worst weather and many drivers fail to adjust to the changing and challenging road conditions.

What you can do to be safe during the winter months

• Always make sure your lights are on
• Always clean all of your lights to enhance visibility
• Remove all ice and snow from your car “before” leaving home
• Wear a seatbelt
• Watch for black ice as it can be deceptive
• Don’t ignore weather warnings, make alternate plans if you need to do so
• Do not use “any” e-device while driving
• Do not use cruise control
• Turn into a skid, do not stomp on the brakes
• Slow down, drive like you've never seen ice and snow before
• Do not over react when steering, react slowly and carefully and always keep road conditions in mind
• Keep at least a three car distance between your vehicle and the one in front because you'll need that room if you have to stop suddenly
• Maintain control over your vehicle by accelerating/decelerating slowly
• Use your brakes with caution – know which type you have, regular or anti-locking

Nothing can bring back a loved one after a fatal car accident and Melaragno, Placidi & Parini knows this and stands behind you and your family in your time of need as they deal with the aftermath of a serious car wreck. Call us today about your case. We are intimately familiar with winter car accidents and injuries. No two collisions are the same, and neither is our approach to each accident case. Your Erie personal injury lawyer from Melaragno, Placidi & Parini has your back.