The Dangers of Driving in Inclement Weather

Every day, most Americans find themselves in an automobile at some point for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, not every day comes with clear weather and the best driving conditions. Rain, snow, ice, and fog make travel difficult.

Driving is a task that, though common, requires great care. Many factors go into being a safe driver, such as knowing how to drive safely in inclement weather. Research has shown that approximately 24 percent of motor vehicle crashes occur during adverse weather conditions

No one expects a person to avoid driving or being on the road during various weather conditions. Most cannot afford to miss work or other important events simply because of weather conditions. Though many accidents occur during inclement weather, negligent driving remains the cause in the majority of those cases.

There are several ways a person can drive more responsibly in adverse weather conditions.

Some safety tips when driving in snow, rain, and ice include:

• Decrease your speed and leave extra room to stop.
• Maintain high visibility by turning on your lights and keeping them clear of snow or ice.
• Keep your windshield clean, even if there is no current precipitation.
• Turn on the defroster to prevent loss of visibility.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. Braking too hard may cause the brakes to lock up. Avoid braking too suddenly.
• Stay in a low gear to keep traction on inclined roads.
• Be careful on bridges. Bridges tend to freeze before other parts of the road. It is not uncommon to encounter ice in shaded areas.
• Avoid puddles or patches of ice.
• If you find yourself hydroplaning, do not brake or steer if possible. Instead, stop accelerating until you feel your tires come back into contact with the road.
• Do not use cruise control on wet or icy roads.
• Do not pass snow plows or other road service vehicles or commercial trucks.

It is important to remember that weather conditions, such as rain and snow, limit visibility. During these times, all drivers may have difficulty seeing the lines on the road, distant signs, or other vehicles. Using headlights helps increase visibility for yourself and allows other drivers to see you more easily.

Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is crucial. In bad weather, it is advised to leave triple the space between cars that you would in ideal weather. Rain, ice, and snow make it much more difficult to come to a complete stop, especially if you must stop suddenly.

Also, driving in fog may be just as dangerous without taking the proper precautions. Thick fog can severely limit visibility, making it very difficult to see oncoming vehicles or other obstacles. Some specific tips for driving in fog include:

• Drive using your low-beam headlights
• Use your defroster
• Reduce your speed
• If possible, roll down a window to better hear nearby traffic.

It is up to each individual driver to make sure the roads are safe. Reckless actions on the part of one driver endanger everyone on and near the road, including pedestrians. Injuries sustained in an automobile crash are often lasting or result in death.

Driving in adverse road conditions may be more difficult, but taking the proper precautions can prevent tragedies.

If you or a loved one has been injured or a loved one has been killed in a car accident, contact the Texas car accident lawyers at the Wyly Law Firm, P.C. today.

Call us at (713) 236-8330 or fill out our convenient online contact form.

These Hubs are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Professional legal counsel should be sought for specific advice relevant to your circumstances.