Any time of year, anywhere in the United States, you can encounter adverse weather that can cause dangerous driving conditions. From rain and snow to sleet and ice to fog or even blistering heat, these conditions can cause all manner of accidents and highway disasters.
It’s sad, but the vast majority of these accidents could be avoided simply by drivers exercising a bit less speed and a lot more care and vigilance when they’re behind the wheel. Discover some vital tips to keep you and other drivers on the road safe when driving in adverse weather conditions, and how an attorney can help.
Tips for Driving in Adverse Weather
For the most part, driving in adverse weather can be mitigated by simply slowing down and being aware of your surroundings. No matter how late you’re running, it’s always better to arrive a couple minutes late, than to not get there at all. Most accidents arise from drivers losing control of their vehicle, or not having enough time to react to the unforeseen, both of which can be partially addressed with less speed and more awareness.
Driving in Fog
Fog is one of the most common and dangerous road conditions you can face anywhere in the nation. It occurs when droplets of water in the air condense to form a mist that reduces visibility. Unfortunately, the worst thing you can do in fog is often the first thing that most drivers do: kicking up your headlights.
The problem with this is that headlights will glare off of the droplets of water in the air, blinding you. When this happens, you can’t see other vehicles and road hazards. Use your fog lights if you have them or your daytime running lights. If you must use headlights, do not use the high beams!
Rain and Snow
Rain and snow present the same problem: lack of traction. Many people get frustrated when drivers slow down in a light drizzle, exclaiming, “It’s just a little rain!” However, even a light mist can bring oil to the surface of the pavement, making for slippery conditions that mimic those of a sheet of ice. Heavy rains can see you traveling on a cushion of water, or hydroplaning, and losing all traction entirely.
Snow and ice pose the same traction problem, and too many SUV drivers think that having AWD or 4WD makes them invincible. Remember—all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive help you to go; they don’t help you to stop!
Sun Glare
Sun glare is a hidden danger that can catch anyone off-guard. When the sun hits you in the face, it’s just as blinding as driving in absolute darkness. You can’t see other cars on the road, you can’t see hazards and it’s all the easier to lose control.
Driving Safe in Inclement Weather
The funny thing about all these diverse weather conditions is that they all have the same solution: drive slow and stay alert. Giving yourself a bit of extra time and space will allow you to react to circumstances you didn’t see coming, and will keep you and others safer on the roads.
Even if you’re the most careful driver on the roads, however, others can still put you at risk due to their irresponsibility. If you get hurt by the reckless actions of another driver, you can be entitled to compensation for your injuries with the help of an established accident attorney. Call Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers for a discussion of your case today.
