Showing posts with label slippery road. Show all posts
Showing posts with label slippery road. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Slowing Down: Traffic Crashes as a Result of Weather Conditions


Image Source: http://blu.stb.s-msn.com/i/BB/FBD05315D1BC28F1EF38551393768.jpg

Most of the time, people often point fingers at driver error as the primary reason for traffic crashes. However, there a lot more reasons as to why accidents happen on the roadways. One of them is the weather condition outside. It is not all the time drivers would operate their respective vehicles only on a bright, clear day.

As it is, weather can sometimes be unpredictable. A sunny day may later on become a cloudy one, which could likely result in a heavy downpour. Having to deal with weather, indeed, comes with certain adjustments on the part of the drivers.

How weather conditions can be a factor in traffic crashes

Rainy conditions can create a mess on highways. It is said that the first half-hour of rainfall can result in a slippery roadway. When this happens, it is expected that isolated incidents of rollovers and collisions may occur over a large area.

Once a big rainstorm comes, motorists won’t be able to make adjustments on the fly, especially if they are used to driving on a clear day. More often than not, they’ll be moving along the highway too fast, which could spell disaster.

As a rule, it is very important for them to drive carefully, with or without rain, whenever the road is slick with mud and other debris. Wet pavement basically causes the tires of cars and other vehicles to lose traction, making it difficult to apply the brakes when potential hazards present themselves on the road.

The same thing happens when the road is covered in patches of snow or ice. Motorists apparently are at risk of skidding, especially when turning a curve or going fast on a highway. Also, there is also the risk of an accident due to reduced visibility brought by fog or heavy rain.

Motorists, therefore, must be able to make quick decisions when driving under these conditions. Expert litigators such as the Los Angeles car accident lawyer advise all motorists to slow down when the road is wet and always on the lookout on some of the hazards that may suddenly appear on the road.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Tips on Avoiding Car Accidents during Rainy Season in California

Los Angeles Road Accident | Car Accident | Slippery when wet

Image Source: http://www.muskegonbrake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Driving_Rain.jpg

When the rainy season starts in California, car accidents become more common. Slippery roads, zero road visibility, and heavy rains are the common recipes for road disasters in California during this season.

Even though car accidents are common during rainy days in California, drivers could avoid such mishaps provided that they are willing to practice proper road decorum and preventive measures. Accordingly, a California motorist may avoid road accidents by following these simple advices:

Slow down – Given the fact that rain makes the road slippery, it is imperative for drivers not to speed. However, drivers should not also drive in a very slow pace so as to avoid rear-end collisions. Also, drivers are advised not to tailgate and to leave at least a car-length space from the vehicle in front of them. Weaving in and out of the road is also a big no-no because the roads are slippery and can easily cause rollover.

Focus on the road – Distracted driving could heighten the dangers of slippery roads; hence, drivers must focus their attention on the road rather than on other things such as electronic devices. Drivers must also be extra attentive when driving under the heavy rains because the visibility during this type of weather is limited.

Turn on the headlights – Heavy rain may cause poor road visibility, and when this occurs, drivers should turn the headlights and hazard lights of their car in order for other motorists to recognize them. Also, it would be helpful to turn on hazard lights to further caution other drivers who may have a hard time noticing other vehicles.

Avoid sudden brakes – Abrupt braking may cause the vehicle to skid uncontrollably and may result in unsafe lane changes. Skidding on a slippery or wet surface can easily cause the vehicle to rollover.

Safe and responsible driving should always be highlighted during rainy season in California so that traffic fatalities and injuries can be avoided. Los Angeles drivers must see to it that they are following all safety protocols and laws for them to ensure the public’s safety. They should likewise always remember that even a single minor mistake can result into road tragedies, especially when the roads are wet and slippery.

Los Angeles auto accident attorneys remind drivers to be extra careful when driving during rainy days to avoid suffering from different types of major injuries like spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, immobility, bone fracture, and others.