Preparing for Possible Snow this Weekend in St. Louis

By Zane T. Cagle | January 10, 2019 | Car Accidents, Drunk Driving, Featured, Inattentiveness, Personal Injury

Snow Predicted for Early Saturday Morning

The National Weather Service predicts four to six inches of snow for the greater St. Louis area beginning on Friday evening. While the precipitation may be in the form of rain on Friday afternoon, but is expected to turn to snow in the early morning hours of Saturday. Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 20’s to mid 30’s over the weekend and a temperature warm up toward early next week.

As per usual, the predictions are anywhere from a coating of snow to six inches of snow along the Interstate 64 and 70 corridors. Predicted snow accumulation in St. Louis generally leads to an increase in motor vehicle crashes in the metro area. However, we would very much like that number to be reduced by reminding all drivers to slow down and drive safely.

Preparing in St. Louis for Snow

While we had some snow in November, we’ve had very little since. Considering it’s January and St. Louis, we are guaranteed some snow and ice. It comes every year, yet, we always seem so surprised! So, I know everyone will storm the grocery stores for bread and milk because……………it’s St. Louis. I guess that French toast is the only meal one can have during a snow storm? It’s funny stuff. Of course, the run on grocery stores is a good idea. It is a very good idea to stock up at the grocery store so that you are not forced to drive on Saturday.

Prepping Your Car for Snow

• Keep your gas tank half full throughout winter
• Make sure your cell phone is charged. It is smart to also have a car charger
• Store a snow/ice scraper in your vehicle-
• If you are planning a long trip, you may want to be sure you have a flashlight, road flares, a first-aid kit, a few blankets, gloves and other winter weather clothing
• Sand or kitty litter for traction and high-energy snacks may come in useful in long commutes

Driving in the Metro Area

The two biggest tips I can give for driving in the greater Metro area is to SLOW DOWN and Buckle UP. Speeding on ice and snow is catastrophic and dangerous. If you must travel in inclement weather, drive slowly. Speed limits are meaningless in inclement weather. Going 55 mph or 70 mph on roadways is dangerous and negligent during inclement weather. Yet, every year we see these people driving way too fast for snow and ice conditions and that contributes greatly to motor vehicle crashes.

It is always crucial to wear your seat belt. Seat belts do not guarantee that your safety in a motor vehicle collision but they greatly decrease serious injury and death. Whether you are traveling a half mile or 100 miles, wear your seat belt.

Weather Related Motor Vehicle Crashes

Just because there is snow and ice, it does not excuse a driver from liability in a motor vehicle crash. If a driver is following to close especially for snowy conditions, they can be held liable for rear-ending another car. Thus, all drivers must slow down and use extreme caution when driving in snow and ice. Again, if you don’t have to drive, stay off the roads and give road crews time to clear the roadways.

If you are injured in a motor vehicle crash or have been in any kind of car crash, you should ask questions before you talk to insurance companies. We offer free consultations, seven days a week.

We would much rather give a victim advice about a potential claim for personal injury before you have to try to make decisions. If you are hurt, then rushing an insurance claim is the last thing you want to do. If you are hurt, you should be talking to an attorney before sharing with the auto insurance carriers.

Call us toll free 1.800.685.3302 or locally 314.391.5220

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard.Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death.Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin IslandsEducation: Washington University School of Law.Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

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