Imagine how challenging it is to drive in bad weather. Imagine the rain pouring down heavily as you travel to your destination. Imagine strong gusts of wind that you can’t resist. Imagine the snow, ice, sleet, and fog blurring your windshield as you drive.
Despite how difficult it is to drive in bad weather, most of the time, it can’t be avoided. However, inclement weather such as rain, strong winds, snow, ice, sleet, and fog can put you at high risk for accidents. In case of a car accident caused by bad weather, you can contact an injury law firm to explore your legal options.
How Common Car Accidents Are During Bad Weather
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are about 5.8 million car accidents in the United States yearly, with 21 percent of them caused by hazardous weather conditions. Nearly 17 percent of car accidents occur during extreme winter weather.
Bad weather contributes to traffic crashes caused by hydroplaning, poor visibility, lane submersion due to standing water, loss of stability due to high winds/gusts, and decreased friction between vehicle tires and roadway surfaces.
According to a study published in Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, snow covers more than 70 percent of roads in the U.S. during winter, with more than five inches of it falling each year. Snow and ice on pavements heighten the risk of crashes by diminishing pavement friction. Roads affected by snow and ice have a lower level of service, lower vehicular speeds, and an increased risk of a car crash.
Postponing your trip until bad weather has passed is ideal, but for those who need to drive or are already on the road, there are plenty of tips that can help you reach your destination safely.
What You Should Prepare Before Driving In Bad Weather
The two most essential safety precautions you can take while driving in bad weather are to slow down and stay back. It’s much harder to control your driving on a slick road. Increase your following distance so you will have time to stop for other vehicles ahead of you. Remember that every car moves differently, which is especially true when driving on wet roads.
Before you travel in bad weather, plan your route ahead of time. Check the current road conditions and traffic. Also, check local stations for evacuation routes and road closures if needed. Stay on top of maintenance of your vehicle to ensure that what you are driving doesn’t cause more problems in bad weather.
Replace windshield wipers, worn-out brake pads, and lights that aren’t working. Clean your vehicle’s dirty headlights. Ensure that your vehicle’s tires have adequate tread, with the tire pressure at the recommended level. Never let your vehicle’s fuel level get too low.
Be updated on oil changes and other routine maintenance. Allow for extra time to reach your destination, as bad weather or extreme traffic conditions may slow you down. If roadways become impassable, learn alternative routes. Set up your cell phone for navigation before you drive to avoid getting distracted, which can be dangerous in hazardous weather. If you are renting a vehicle, be familiar with the controls and blind spots before starting your travel. Lastly, pack and prepare an emergency roadside kit, snacks, and some drinking water.
How To Stay Safe While Driving In Bad Weather
Always maintain a large gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you to allow for extra braking time on wet or slippery roads. Reduce your speed from 60 mph to 40 mph to lower your stopping distance on a wet surface from 459 ft. to 204 ft.
When it rains, other factors such as lightning flashes, decreased visibility, high winds, and the risk of hydroplaning can all create chances for a car crash. To keep yourself safe when driving in bad weather, turn on your vehicle’s headlights, even during the daylight, so that you can increase visibility. Do not drive through flooded areas, but if you do drive to a part of the road that is covered by water and you cannot see what’s beneath the water, turn around.
Do not follow vehicles like buses or trucks too closely because they can create a splash of water that’s large enough to cover your windshield. When possible, drive in the middle lane because water from the rain tends to pool on the outer edges of the road. As much as you can, always give other cars plenty of room while on the road.
What To Do In Cases Of Hydroplaning During Driving
Hydroplaning occurs when the water in front of the tires builds up faster than the car’s weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water, which can lead to dangerous skidding or drifting. In the case of a scary moment of hydroplaning while driving, do not make any sudden moves with the steering wheel. What you must do is take your foot off the accelerator until the car slows and the tires can get traction again. Tap the brakes gently to regain control.
You might underestimate the power of rushing water. It only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, and just two feet of rushing water can carry away most SUVs and trucks. According to the CDC, the most common type of flood-related drowning happens when a vehicle is pushed into hazardous flood water. When you see that the road is flooded, turn around.
What You Should Do While Driving On Bridges In Bad Weather
Bridges, overpasses, ramps, and shaded areas are the first to freeze during winter. Slow down on these sections of the roadway, or if you can, avoid driving through these areas. Adjust your speed based on the severity of the weather and road conditions. Leave more space between you and the vehicle ahead of you to allow for extra reaction time. Steer smoothly and brake gradually to prevent skidding or loss of control.
If driving uphill or downhill on a bridge, use a lower gear to maintain traction. Make sure your tires have adequate tread and are properly inflated for better grip on slippery surfaces. Use your headlights to improve visibility for yourself and other vehicles. Lastly, if the weather becomes too severe, it may be best to pull over to a safe location and wait until conditions improve.
The Best Driving Techniques For Slippery Roads
When driving on slippery roads, reduce your speed significantly—going below the posted limit gives you more time to react and maintain control. Keep a wide distance between your vehicle and others to allow for extra braking room. Avoid sudden braking, rapid acceleration, or sharp turns. Instead, apply the brakes gradually and evenly to prevent wheel lockup and skidding. If driving a manual vehicle, shift to a lower gear for better traction when accelerating on slick surfaces.
Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended level for optimal grip. If possible, equip your vehicle with dedicated winter tires for better traction on icy roads. Avoid using cruise control on slippery surfaces, as it can hinder quick adjustments to changing conditions. Keep your headlights on to enhance visibility and make your presence known to other drivers. Stay alert and watch for potential hazards while driving.
What You Should Put In Your Car’s Emergency Kit
Your car’s emergency kit should include the following:
- First-aid kit
- Mobile phone charger and power bank
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Jumper cables
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Sand, salt, or cat litter for traction
- Emergency flares or reflective triangles
- Warm clothing, gloves, and blankets
- Bottled water and nonperishable food
- A cup to melt snow for drinking water
Contact The Best Car Accident Lawyers To Help You
In case of a road accident caused by bad weather, it’s a good idea to contact the best car accident lawyers who could help you claim every last bit of dollar you are entitled to. Whether you experienced severe injuries or a loved one was killed during a car accident in bad weather, you have to hire accident lawyers who understand the law and applicable insurance policies.
