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Cold weather travel and safety includes protection against frostbite and hypothermia. People often jump into their vehicles without bundling up because they are just running to the store or will only be out for a few minutes. However, no one plans on having their car break down or being stranded in freezing temperatures. Nor do they plan on having another car crash into them. It may take time for emergency vehicles to arrive at an accident scene. And, in freezing weather, frostbite and hypothermia can set in faster than you might think.
According to the National Safety Council, frostbite occurs from exposure to extreme cold. It affects the layers of skin, making extremities turn numb. It has the greatest effect on the fingers, toes, ears, nose, cheeks and chin. When only reaching surface layers, frostbite is not as serious. However, frostbite that reaches deep can make tissue die, turning it black. In the worst cases, it may result in amputation or death.
When an individual’s body temperature drops lower than 95 degrees, extreme shivering results. This is the first sign of hypothermia. However, later stages affect bodily functions. Symptoms include drowsiness, exhaustion, shallow breathing, irregular heartbeat and loss of coordination. It can result in unconsciousness and death.
What should you wear in winter weather?
What you should carry in your car in cold weather?
(Reference: Firestone Complete Auto Care)
If you believe another driver was at fault for a winter car accident that resulted in serious injury, speak with an attorney. Our attorneys at Sackstein, Sackstein & Lee, LLP have decades of experience handling accident cases.