How Ice and Snow Affect Your Car’s Safety Sensors | Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
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How Ice and Snow Affect Your Car’s Safety Sensors

Written by Jared Staver

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Jared Staver is a Personal Injury Lawyer based in Chicago, Illinois and has been practicing law for over 20 years.

Jared Staver

CATEGORY: Auto Accidents


In the winter, ice and snow will pile on your car and could block your car’s advanced safety sensors. For instance, when your forward-collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking systems (AEB) become unable to determine what is in front of them due to ice and snow, they can stop working and put you and other motorists in danger. To discover how ice and snow affect car’s safety sensors and how to keep your safety sensors clean, read the tips below.

In the event that you or a loved one are involved in a car accident this winter due to the recklessness of someone else, you should reach out to a car accident lawyer right away. Our attorneys at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can help determine your next steps, and we will stand by your side throughout the entirety of the legal process.

To speak with an attorney, call us at (312) 236-2900 for a free consultation right away.

Areas to Clean To Keep Your Safety Sensors Intact

In order to keep your safety sensors fully functioning, you should keep the following six areas clear of ice and snow at all times:

  • Windshield: Some cars have cameras or sensors behind the glass, making it important to keep your windshield and wipers free of snow and ice. By keeping this area clean, you can ensure the safety sensors can function properly to keep you safe.
  • Grille: Be sure to locate where your car’s safety sensors are on your grill. Most cars have their FCW and AEB in the grill or near the bumper.
  • Sensors in Both Bumpers: The sensors located in these areas are especially important when it comes to parking. These sensors will alert you if you are too close to an object either in front of or behind you.
  • Rear Body Quarter Panels: These sensors work to monitor your blind spots or when you are in reverse. It is important to keep in mind that older cars could have their safety sensors located underneath their side mirrors.
  • Rearview Mirror: If your rearview mirror becomes covered in snow or ice, it will be unusable and could pose a hazard to your safety.
  • Cameras in the Front, Side, and Back: It is imperative to remember to fully clean all cameras on the outside of your car. If they are covered in snow or ice, they will not work and could impair your vision.

Injured in a Car Accident Because of Someone Else? Call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. Right Away

If you or a loved one are involved in a car accident this winter, do not hesitate to reach out to a lawyer. Navigating a car accident claim can be complex without the help of an attorney who understands the ins and outs of Illinois law.

Let an experienced lawyer help you receive the compensation you may be entitled to after being in a car accident because of someone else’s negligence and carelessness. Contact us at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today at (312) 236-2900 to schedule your free and confidential case assessment.

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(312) 236-2900
(312) 236-2900
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