Winter Weather Creates Car Accident Danger
by Robert A. Cardali, Esq., February 1, 2026
Winter time in New York means frigid conditions, powerful gusts of wind, and intense storms with rain, snow, and ice. It also means the worst time for driving. Motor vehicle accidents in New York will most likely spike as the weather wrecks havoc on the road.
Winter officially announced itself in mid December when the first snowstorm of the season hit New York resulting in almost 200 car accidents. At least two of these reported incidents resulted in deaths. Many of these accidents occurred because drivers lost control of their vehicle or drove in conditions with poor visibility.
Just a couple weeks ago in early January, a snowstorm caused a 30-car pileup that shut down NY Interstate 81. The chaotic scene involved cars and semi trucks. Multiple people were taken to local hospitals with serious injuries.
This past weekend came the main event of the winter season so far when New Yorkers experienced one of the strongest snowstorms the east coast has seen in nearly ten years, with up to two feet of snow in some regions. According to State officials, they’ve responded to over 400 automobile crashes so far, with about 10 percent of these accidents resulting in injuries to drivers and passengers. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported yet.
COLD WEATHER CAN ALSO IMPACT ELECTRIC VEHICLES :
It’s not just the frozen roads and highways that can affect the way your car handles in the cold. Electric vehicle (EV) owners need to keep a closer eye on the thermostat these days, especially if their car has been parked outside overnight. According to Consumer Reports, cold temperatures can slow down the chemical reaction inside the lithium-ion batteries.
Tests have shown that battery energy begins to decline at 40F degrees. The amount of power the EV uses for energy can drop by as much as 25%. Using the heater, seat warmers, defroster, and other in-vehicle accessories can also sap the life from the EV battery more rapidly in cold weather. However, drivers can reduce these effects by preheating the vehicle while it’s still plugged in, which warms both the battery and interior of your car without significantly draining energy. Planning trips carefully within your driving range and allowing extra charging time can also help EV owners navigate winter conditions more smoothly.
WINTER DRIVING HAZARDS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
To help keep you as safe as possible this winter, here are some hazards to be aware of before getting behind the wheel of your car:
Black Ice: One of the most dangerous conditions in winter, this phenomenon gets its name from the thin transparent layer of ice that forms on the road. It resembles damp pavement and is hard to identify because it blends in with the asphalt. Black ice typically occurs in shaded areas or on overpasses and bridges. If you hit a patch of black ice on the road – don’t panic – remain calm, maintain control, and drive smoothly and slowly. Avoid slamming on your brakes or sharply turning the steering wheel which could lead to an accident.
Hydroplaning: When the weather is too warm for ice, that doesn’t mean your concerns just melt away. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds a wedge between the tire and the road, causing a “ski like” effect. Your tires lose traction and it feels as if your car is skidding across the surface. If you do start hydroplaning, take your foot off the gas – do not press the brake – and steer in a controlled manner in the direction you want to go, allowing your car to gain traction naturally to avoid danger.
Snow Squalls: A snow squall is a powerful gust of wind and snow that can cause a “white out” that reduces visibility in a matter of seconds. Snow squalls are strong winter storm fronts that move in quickly and intensely, and have a history of causing deadly car accidents. If you encounter a snow squall while driving, slow down immediately, turn on your low-beam headlights and avoid sudden braking or sharp movements with the steering wheel. If the conditions are too intense, safely pull off the road and wait for the squall to pass.
WINTER SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR YOUR VEHICLE:
If you must travel – give yourself plenty of time to run through these essential vehicle safety checks:
Tire Pressure: Tires are a major concern in winter. As temperatures drop, the air inside a tire contracts, lowering tire pressure. Under-inflated tires reduce traction, increase stopping distance, and wear unevenly. Checking tire pressure regularly during cold weather — and inflating tires to manufacturer specifications — is essential for maintaining control on icy or snow-covered roads to avoid seeing that dreaded blinking warning light in the middle of your trip.
Oil and Fuel Systems: If you are in severe cold, the motor oil inside your vehicle becomes so thick and sludge-like that the engine struggles to pump and circulate it.According to Car and Driver online, switching to low-viscosity oil in the winter is crucial for optimal performance. The fuel systems inside your car can also be affected by the cold. Moisture inside fuel lines can freeze and block fuel flow, potentially preventing your car from starting. To beat the cold, keep the gas tank at least half full to reduce condensation and lower the risk of frozen fuel lines.
Windshield Wipers: One telltale sign that winter is here is the sight of windshield wipers left standing up so they don’t freeze to the windshield. Once the temperature drops and the snow accumulates, wipers are vulnerable and easily stiffen, crack, or can stick to the windshield. The washer fluid inside your car can also freeze if it is not specifically winter-grade. Be sure to use cold-weather washer fluid and replace worn and damaged wiper blades to avoid some of the dangers that freezing temperatures can levy on your driving experience.
Antifreeze: Even though it is literally in the name of the product, antifreeze can still freeze from severe cold. If your coolant is old or has an improper ratio of coolant to water, it might not be effective at protecting your engine. 100 percent antifreeze actually has a higher freeze point when not diluted with water. Make sure to have an engine coolant that is mixed properly for colder climates.
REMEMBER TO NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE WEATHER :
It is important to remember that Mother Nature, in any season, is still undefeated. Drivers should slow down, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them, and avoid unnecessary travel during storms. It has been an intense winter season so far and it only takes one misstep or one lapse of judgement to have a simple road trip turn into a tragedy.
Inclement weather does not excuse negligent driving—motorists are still expected to adjust their behavior to road conditions. When they fail to do so, the consequences can be life-altering for victims and their families.
If you have been involved in a winter weather related automobile accident, give us a call today for a free consultation.