Wintery weather has already left its mark, although very little snow, on the roads of Chicago. A West Chicago driver lost control on a patch of ice on Roosevelt Road, struck an oncoming car and stalled out on the railroad tracks. The other car was sent off the road and collided with a pole. The driver of the van was able to escape before an eastbound Metra commuter train collided with it.

The two-car and train accident did not result in serious injury, but Chicago car accident attorneys remind all drivers that the changing Illinois winter weather can quickly lead to serious motor vehicle accidents if they are unaware of icy or rain-slicked road conditions. A rash of ice-related accidents just this week had salt trucks out on Chicago-area highways trying to improve the conditions and prevent further weather-related car accidents.

Winter is Coming. Be Prepared for Icy Driving Conditions Throughout Illinois

The Illinois Department of Transportation recommends that all drivers first make their vehicles 'winter ready' before heading out onto snow- or ice-covered roads. Vehicles that stall on the road create a hazard for other drivers as well as put their own drivers at a heightened risk of being involved in a car accident. A quick check of the condition of your wipers, tires, lights and fluid levels should be done periodically during the winter months.

While you're driving, first and foremost, buckle your seatbelt. It's not only the law in Illinois, but can greatly reduce your risk of serious injury if you are involved in a car crash. Allow additional time to get to your destination and slow down while you're driving in snowy or icy conditions. If the weather is bad, don't be afraid to turn back and wait for a storm to pass and road crews to clear the streets. Waiting a day to get to your destination may save your own life or that of your passengers.

Be aware of changing conditions on the road, even if the weather doesn't appear to be changing. Overpasses and bridges tend to be icier than the roads leading up to them, as well as portions of the road that are in the sun or the shade may be less or more icy. If you find yourself in a slide, do not panic. Ease off the gas or the brakes and steer into the skid until you regain control of your vehicle.

Safety on Illinois roads depends not only on how safe you are driving, but on how others around you are driving as well. One sliding vehicle can pose the threat of serious injury to several people, as it did in West Chicago earlier this week.

Source: The Beacon News, "Train, van crash closes roadway," 30 December 2011