02
Jan2023
Bad Weather Driving: Risks & Safety - Snowstorm, poor visibility, slick roads and lots of traffic

Bad Weather Driving Risks

  • By Arcadier, Biggie & Wood, PLLC
  • 306

Car Accident Lawyer

Bad weather can be extremely dangerous to drive in due to the low visibility and slip and slide risks associated with icy roads. Rain, snow, fog, and hail can all decrease visibility dramatically, leaving drivers unable to see potential hazards such as other cars, pedestrians, animals, or even road signs. Low visibility caused by bad weather can also make it harder for drivers to tell the difference between wet roads and icy patches, which increases the risk of skidding or sliding on slick surfaces. Heavy downpours and storms can also cause flooding or water pooling on the roads, which can lead to hydroplaning. Furthermore, heavy winds during storms can cause vehicles to sway from side to side, making it difficult for drivers to stay in control of their vehicles.

Other Risks Bad Weather Poses

In addition to low visibility and slippery conditions caused by bad weather driving conditions, they also come with a number of other risks that further increase the chances of an accident occurring. For example, strong winds associated with bad weather systems can blow debris onto the roadways which can cause flat tires or unexpected obstacles that could lead to an accident. Severe thunderstorms are potentially dangerous due to lightning flashes being able to blind drivers temporarily – this is especially dangerous when driving at night or in areas with reduced visibility due to rain or fog. Finally, heavy rains may reduce traction between tires and roads unnecessarily reducing grip and braking distances leading to hazardous driving conditions. 

Take Necessary Precautions

As a top-rated car accident lawyer from Arcadier, Biggie & Wood, PLLC explains, when planning a journey during bad weather conditions it is important that drivers take extra precautionary steps before getting behind the wheel. This includes staying informed on local weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling as well as preparing an emergency kit for just in case scenarios such as breakdowns or getting stranded along dark highways during severe storms. Drivers should always drive slow during these periods of time as well as increasing their following distance so they have more time react if needed in order avoid any potential danger when driving in inclement weather conditions

Winter Weather Safety Tips

To help keep yourself safe while driving during winter weather, here are some tips for navigating hazardous roadways:

  1. Slow down and increase your following distance
  2. Avoid sudden braking or turning
  3. Use headlights, even during the day 
  4. Stay alert for icy patches and slushy roads 
  5. Watch out for black ice 
  6. Monitor local weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling in bad weather 
  7. Be aware of other drivers  
  8. Make sure tires are inflated to the proper PSI levels 
  9. Keep an emergency kit handy while driving in case you get stranded  
  10. Don’t drive if you don’t feel comfortable with the conditions.

Drive Safe

There will come a time when you must travel in inclement weather. When that time comes, you can help promote safety by taking the necessary precautions and driving. Drive safe out there!

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