Essential Winter Road Safety Tips for Drivers and Pedestrians

Winter in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho brings snow, ice, freezing rain, and shorter days — all of which make the roads far more dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. As a Liberty Lake personal injury attorney serving the greater Spokane–Coeur d’Alene region, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly winter weather can turn a routine drive into a life-changing accident. Understanding the risks — and your legal rights — can go a long way toward keeping you and your family safe.

Why Winter Conditions Increase Roadway Hazards

Icy and snow-packed pavement drastically reduce traction and stopping ability. According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly a quarter of all weather-related crashes occur on snowy, slushy, or icy roads. Visibility also drops during active snowfall, making it harder for drivers to react in time to avoid collisions.

One of the biggest seasonal dangers is black ice — a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that forms overnight or early in the morning. Even cautious drivers can lose control instantly. Every year, icy surfaces contribute to more than 150,000 crashes and over 550 deaths nationwide.

Shorter days only add to the danger. About 80% of pedestrian fatalities happen at night, and with early darkness in winter, both drivers and pedestrians face higher risks. This is especially true here in Spokane, Liberty Lake, and Coeur d’Alene, where snowbanks often push pedestrians closer to traffic.

Frequent Driver Errors During Winter Months

Most winter crashes are preventable. Some of the most common mistakes I see as a Spokane personal injury attorney include:

  • Failing to clear snow and ice from windows, mirrors, headlights, and roofs
  • Driving too fast for icy or snow-packed road conditions
  • Following too closely or braking suddenly
  • Driving without headlights in dim, snowy, or foggy conditions

Many states penalize drivers for not clearing snow from their vehicles — and even when there’s no specific law, failing to do so can still lead to liability if that snow causes an accident.

Added Risks in Rural Areas and With Large Trucks

Rural roads throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho often freeze faster and stay icy longer due to limited plowing and less traffic. Bridges and overpasses are especially dangerous because they freeze before the rest of the road surface.

Large commercial trucks introduce even greater dangers. A fully loaded semi-truck needs much more distance to stop — and icy pavement multiplies that distance dramatically. I’ve represented many clients who were injured in crashes involving commercial vehicles, and the risk only increases during the winter months.

Events like the massive 130‑vehicle pileup in Fort Worth back in 2021 show just how unpredictable winter crashes can be.

Visibility and Distractions Create a Dangerous Mix

Low visibility combined with winter distractions can turn a small mistake into a serious collision. Drivers may be adjusting heaters, clearing foggy windows, or checking GPS. Pedestrians may be bundled up, carrying bags, or simply focused on keeping their balance on icy sidewalks.

Children walking to school in the dark and older adults with slower response times face some of the highest risk. As a Spokane pedestrian accident attorney, I often see winter conditions significantly increase the severity of these types of injuries.

How Drivers Can Protect Themselves This Winter

Here are a few practical steps that can help reduce your risk:

  • Clear all snow and ice before driving — including your roof
  • Reduce speed and leave extra space between vehicles
  • Use gentle, steady braking to avoid skidding
  • Keep an emergency kit with blankets, a flashlight, an ice scraper, and sand or kitty litter

Winter Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Pedestrians can also take steps to stay safe:

  • Wear reflective or brightly colored clothing
  • Use designated crosswalks whenever possible
  • Avoid walking in the roadway, even when sidewalks are snowy
  • Stay alert and avoid texting while crossing

Why Legal Support Matters After a Winter Accident

Even when you’re careful, winter weather accidents still happen. And when snowy or icy roads contribute to a crash, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by blaming the weather instead of negligent drivers. That’s where having a knowledgeable Spokane car accident lawyer or Liberty Lake personal injury attorney can make all the difference.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a winter-related accident — whether as a driver or pedestrian — I’m here to help. I can evaluate your case, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact Duggan Law Offices today to schedule a free consultation and learn your rights after a winter roadway accident.