Even with our state’s No Fault auto laws, if you wipe out on an icy road, it’s your fault. Your injuries and the damage to your car are your fault as well as the injuries, pain and suffering and auto damage to the people you ran into. In the world of auto insurance, you could get tagged for an at-fault accident, two points on your record for “driving too fast for conditions” (a close cousin to the speeding ticket), and a lawsuit for the damages you inflicted on others.
When we speak with people about their insurance and we see the points on their record for driving too fast and their at-fault accident, it’s not uncommon for them to say “that shouldn’t count, that wasn’t my fault, that was black ice.” That decision isn’t made by you, me or the insurance companies, it’s made by the laws in our state and the police who enforce them. While icy roads aren’t our fault, what happens when we drive on them is our fault. Contact us if you have questions regarding this.
Winter driving in Michigan can be unpredictable. Here is some information that could spare you from an ugly accident on the road this winter.
With the right wind, black ice can form on our roads even if the outside temperature is up to 40 degrees.
The speed limit applies during optimal driving conditions. Slow down. Nobody is obligated to drive the speed limit if driving conditions are questionable. Also, put on your turn signal sooner and allow more space between you and the cars in front of you.
Additional care is required for all wheel drive vehicles, because they’re less likely to slip during acceleration and drivers might not recognize slippery roads until they need to stop when it’s too late.
While driving in questionable road conditions, turn off cruise control because it might spin your wheels faster in a skid.
Check your tires for adequate tread (do the Penny Test) and proper inflation.
This is the absolute worst time of the year to drive distracted. Before you start driving, adjust your controls, connect your phone to your car and get your songs going, take that first sip of coffee to test the lid, etc.
This winter, leave a bit earlier, drive slower if you have to, watch out for others and drive safely!
