The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm | November 29, 2025 | Car Accidents
Winter in Fairfax brings cold temperatures, freezing rain, and sudden drops below freezing that can turn roads into sheets of ice. Even a thin layer of frost can make it difficult for drivers to stop or steer, and many winter crashes happen at low speeds when cars slide through intersections or lose control on curves. Learning how to prepare for icy conditions can reduce the risk of car accidents and winter injuries throughout Virginia.
Why Winter Weather Increases Crash Risks in Fairfax
Even though Fairfax does not see the same snowfall as northern states, winter storms here often involve freezing rain, sleet, or temperatures that bounce above and below freezing throughout the day. This creates ideal conditions for black ice, which is one of the most dangerous winter hazards.
Common causes of cold-weather crashes in Fairfax include:
- Hidden ice on bridges and overpasses
- Cars sliding on untreated roads
- Drivers traveling too fast for conditions
- Low visibility during freezing rain
- Sudden stops at icy intersections
- Snowmelt refreezing overnight
Black ice is especially dangerous because it blends into the pavement. A driver may think the road is wet when it is actually frozen.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Conditions
Simple steps can make your car safer during winter weather:
Check tires and tread
Good tire tread helps grip the road. Worn tires make it easier to lose control on ice. Winter or all-weather tires perform better in cold conditions.
Keep your windshield clear
Replace old wiper blades and top off windshield washer fluid. Ice and freezing rain can quickly block your view.
Test your battery
Cold weather strains weak batteries. A failing battery can leave you stranded during freezing temperatures.
Use your headlights
Headlights make it easier for other drivers to see you through sleet or snow.
Safe Driving Tips for Icy Roads
Even experienced drivers can struggle on slick pavement.
These techniques help lower your risk of a crash:
Slow down
Speed is one of the biggest factors in winter accidents. Even a small reduction in speed gives your tires more time to grip the surface.
Increase following distance
Leave at least three times your normal space between vehicles. This gives you more time to stop if the car in front starts sliding.
Brake gently
Sudden braking can cause skidding. Apply steady, gentle pressure instead.
Avoid quick turns
Sharp turns increase the chance of the car losing traction. Make slow, wide movements when the road is slick.
Do not use cruise control
Cruise control can make your car accelerate or brake at the wrong time on icy roads.
What to Do if Your Car Starts to Slide
If your vehicle begins to skid:
- Stay calm and ease off the gas
- Steer in the direction you want the car to go
- Do not slam on the brakes
- Let the tires regain traction before accelerating
Most winter skids happen because drivers overcorrect or brake too hard. Small, steady movements keep the vehicle balanced.
How Virginia Law Applies to Winter Weather Accidents
Winter storms do not excuse careless driving. Drivers in Fairfax must adjust to the conditions, even if ice or snow catches them off guard. Most personal injury and wrongful death cases in Virginia must be filed within two years.
Virginia also uses a contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, an injured person cannot recover compensation if they contributed to the accident in any way, even slightly. This strict rule makes it important for drivers to follow winter safety practices and avoid actions that could be viewed as careless.
Contact The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm for a Free Consultation
Winter weather in Fairfax can create fast-changing and unpredictable road conditions, but taking the right precautions can significantly reduce your risk of a serious crash. By preparing your vehicle, slowing down, and staying alert for black ice and other hidden hazards, you can help keep yourself and others safe throughout the colder months. Still, even the most cautious drivers can be injured when someone else fails to adjust to icy roads or drives too fast for conditions.
If you were hurt in a winter weather accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm is here to protect your rights, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Manassas
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