Oregon Personal Injury Lawyer Sean DuBois Issues a Warning: Winter Roads Require Caution
Portland, OR (PRWEB) December 21, 2013 -- We all know we’re supposed to be more careful when we drive during the winter, but are we actually more cautious? Maybe. But not cautious enough, says attorney Sean DuBois. As a Portland car accident attorney, DuBois has firsthand experience with the consequences of unsafe driving during winter weather conditions and wants to remind everyone to be safe.
“The unpredictable winter weather can really cause some dangerous moments for drivers. When you leave the house in the morning, you might now know if it’ll be raining, snowing, or icy when you get in your car to return home. So it’s best to be prepared for anything,” said DuBois.
The Oregon Department of Transportation knows drivers need to be aware of driving conditions, and has created several systems to keep drivers informed. You can:
1. Visit http://www.TripCheck.com
2. Call 511 on your phone
3. Watch Channel 48
Any of these three resources will help you get up-to-the-minute information on the roads.
In addition, if you want to prevent Oregon car accident injuries, you can make sure your vehicle is ready for anything. Here’s a quick checklist:
• Check all your lights.
• Make sure your heater and defroster are working.
• Check your battery.
• Carry chains or use traction tires (in snow).
• Keep wiper blades in good condition.
• Have a basic safety kit in your car that includes water, snacks, a flashlight, flares, maps, a blanket, tools, first aid kit, etc.
“This safety kit can seem a little superfluous in Portland, but in past few years we’ve seen more snow. If you get stuck in traffic because of snow, especially if you have kids, you’re going to be glad you have some extras. Maybe throw a travel game in there for them,” said DuBois. “And definitely make sure you have this if you’re driving anywhere long distance.”
Lastly, make sure you drive carefully and patiently. Not taking the road conditions into account can be hazardous to your health and the safety of others. As an auto injury lawyer, DuBois knows that serious injuries can occur when people drive too fast or are distracted.
Here’s some quick tips to keep you safe:
1. Don’t use cruise control and don’t use your phone. No distractions.
2. If you lose traction, just slow down. Don’t hit the brakes too hard.
3. Slow down in general, especially around curves and on bridges and overpasses (which are more likely to get icy).
4. Don’t travel during peak times, like the day before or after a major holiday.
5. If you’re tired, pull off the road in a safe location and rest.
6. Try to stick to main roads, which might have more traffic but which are also more likely to be well maintained.
“I know traffic sucks, I know this is all basic information. But a holiday reminder couldn’t hurt,” DuBois said. “I hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday season.”
The Portland personal injury law firm of Shulman DuBois LLC, is based in SE Portland, OR. Partners Joshua Shulman and Sean DuBois have experience helping people who have been injured in car, truck, bicycling, pedestrian, and motorcycle accidents. Their areas of expertise include brain injuries, child injuries, and victims of drunk driving. For a free consultation, call 503-222-4411 or visit http://www.portlandpersonalinjuryaccidentlawyer.com.
Joshua Shulman, Shulman Dubois LLC, http://www.pdxinjurylaw.com, +1 (503) 222-4411, [email protected]
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