Make it a Good Weekend - Be Safe on the Roads

This may cost me my credentials as a die hard Washington Redskins fan, but I'm going to pass on going to the game Sunday due to the probability of a severe ice storm in Virginia.  Not a decision I take lightly (even though their performance has been largely "unwatchable" this year).  Some of the weather gurus are "predicting" a historic ice storm particularly west of I-95.  I'll leave it to them to pick the right adjective, but conditions on the highways sound dangerous so Sunday will be spent watching football in high-def, not live.  Yes I have a generator simply to ensure that I don't miss a play.

Since this is a legal blog, let me throw some legal issues in the mix.  There really is no such thing as an unavoidable car accident in Virginia except in rare circumstances.  Slippery roads that even the best drivers can't navigate do not make an accident "unavoidable."  If you slide into another vehicle that is being operated lawfully you are legally at fault.  There is no defense of "I hit an icy patch."   Unless the police officer and/or judge are being very generous you will certainly be ticketed and fined.

If you cause an accident in Virginia, you will be held legally responsible for both property damage and personal injuries including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.  Icy roads seem to cause the most devastating of injuries because the other vehicle can't even slow down before the collision.  To make matters worse, it takes longer for the first responders to arrive.

The best advice I can offer is to stay home unless you are an essential employee and have to go out.  Plan ahead, stock up, and make it a relaxing day at home.