In our part of the United States, the weather can have a significant impact on our ability to perform daily tasks. From flooding rain to driving sleet to large amounts of snow, driving safely during the winter months can be a difficult task. In fact, from data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration between 1995 and 2008, it's been revealed that that 24% of vehicle crashes occurred in bad weather, with the vast majority of weather-related crashes occurred on wet pavement or during rainfall. Have you been hurt in an accident that occurred in bad weather and was the fault of another driver? Did you know that you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses that are related to the incident? The auto collision attorneys at O'Connor, Acciani & Levy have detailed knowledge of the traffic and insurance laws in our state and can inform you about your rights and if required, help guide you through the legal process. Don't delay. Simply fill out the Free Evaluation form on this page or call our legal team at (877) 288-3241. Its 100% confidential and there are no obligations.
Helpful Bad Weather Driving Tips
The single best advice regarding driving in bad weather is to avoid doing it. If bad weather hits while you are on the road or you have to drive in bad conditions, you can increase your chance of arriving safely to your destination by following these tips:- Prepare your vehicle ahead of time by making sure your windshield wipers, tires, and headlights are in good condition and that you have plenty of gas, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid.
- Keep your eyes on the road and two hands on the wheel at all times.
- Decrease your driving speed when the weather limits your visibility or the roads are wet, icy, or slick. This will give you more time to react to hazards on the road and the unexpected movements of other vehicles.
- Try to stay in your lane or limit the amount of times you change lanes. Doing so will help ensure you don't cut anyone off that you might have difficulty seeing in the rain, snow, or fog.
- Drive defensively, and make sure you stay alert and aware of what is going on around you.
- Make sure that you don't slam on your brakes. Instead, brake slowly and evenly to avoid rear-end collisions and hydroplaning.
- Create a greater distance between you and the car in front of you than you normally would in clear conditions.
- Don't use your hazard lights while driving in the rain. Many people do this as a way to notify other drivers of their location, but it is illegal in most states.
- Turn on your headlights and use the low beam setting. This is especially important to do when it gets foggy because if you have your headlights on too high a setting the light will reflect back into your eyes and actually lower your visibility.
- don't pass snow plows or sanding trucks because they might not be able to see you, and the road in front of them will very likely be worse than the road behind them.
Common Bad Weather Accident Injuries
Accidents that happen in inclement weather can often be severe. Cars have to do deal with hazards that they normally wouldn't have to such as black ice, puddles, slick roads, lightning, and lowered visibility. Some common accidents that happen in bad weather are:- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Head injuries
- Whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Facial injuries
- Dental injuries
- Dislocated joints
