Information from the County Attorney's Office
By Steven J. Franzen, Campbell County Attorney
Most of us have either experienced or witnessed a car out of control on an icy road. If you were fortunate enough to escape injury, you probably are much more cautious than you were before the incident. During wintery weather, a few additional traffic laws apply. However, many people may not be aware of those laws.
For example, on snowy or icy roads, drivers can be cited for speeding or reckless driving even if they are driving the speed limit or slower. If an officer feels the driver’s speed in the wintery conditions is unsafe, a citation will be issued. In addition, if a driver loses control of the car and slides through a stop sign or a red light, he or she could be cited for the traffic violation. And if that violation causes a traffic accident, the driver is liable.
When the weather affects the roads, the following guidelines apply:
Snow reduces the normal speed limit by half;
Ice changes the normal speed limit to 5 to 10 mph;
Rain or wet road conditions reduce the normal speed limit by 5 to 10 mph; and
Heavy rain, snow or fog that limits the visual field to 100 feet changes the normal speed limit to 30 mph.
Driving on snowy and icy roads is dangerous and should be avoided if at all possible. For those who have to drive, the Kentucky State Police offer these suggestions:
Slow down. In order to maintain control of your car in wintry weather, you must decrease your speed.
Increase braking distances. Give yourself additional stopping distances. This will help prevent the possibility of sliding through stop signs and traffic lights.
Increase the distance between your car and the car in front of you. This will give you more time to stop if your car slides on the road.
Always buckle up. Seat belts and child safety seats are the law in Kentucky. And it’s never more important to wear these safety devices than during the wintry weather.
These suggestions, along with the additional traffic laws, were developed to encourage safe driving and prevent injury during wintry weather. Unfortunately, drivers who follow all the rules and suggestions for driving on snowy roads still may find themselves in a traffic accident. Even the best drivers are in danger of causing an accident or being the victim of one. So, if at all possible, simply stay off the roads in wintry weather. That is the safest and smartest suggestion of all.
If you have any topics you would like to have covered in this column, please contact my office by e-mail at countyattorney@campbellcountyky.org, by phone at 491-7700 or by regular mail addressed to 319 York Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071.