​The Impact of Weather Conditions on Car Crashes: How to Stay Safe

Even in inclement conditions, it is necessary for traffic to continue moving. There are sections of the United States that encounter temperatures that are colder and wetter throughout the winter season. These conditions have an effect on how traffic flows and the safety of vehicles.  Bad weather has a big influence on the vehicles that we drive on and the roads that we travel, regardless of whether you are going through the fog, rain, wind, or snow. The weather may impact your vision, the manner in which you drive, and the length of time it takes to get there. Your well-being on the road depends on your readiness as a driver. The following is a list of the ways that fog, rain, wind, and snow affect transportation, which may be used to help plan for a safe trip.

​Reckless or negligent driving in bad weather

Bad drivers, rather than severe weather, are usually to blame when an automobile crash occurs during a storm. A motorist has a duty to adjust their behavior in response to meteorological conditions in order to reduce the likelihood of causing an accident. The responsibility is on drivers to take adverse conditions into consideration. They should check the forecast before heading outside. The motorist should exercise discretion as to whether or not to go out if a storm is predicted.

A driver's speed and other driving behaviors should be modified in inclement weather. To avoid rear-end crashes, drivers should reduce their speed to a safe level (which may be lower than the official speed limit) and increase their following distance when conditions warrant it, such as on wet, snowy, or slippery roads. 

In addition to turning on their headlights and windshield wipers, drivers should take additional preventative measures. A motorist might be held accountable for damages if he or she carelessly fails to take the necessary precautions and causes an accident during inclement weather. 

A vehicle accident attorney can help sort through the myriad of legal issues that can arise in the wake of an accident. To that end, you can go here and contact the professionals to help you go through the legal process as smoothly as possible. 

After a vehicle accident, a lawyer may assist the victim in determining who is at fault and whether or not the weather played a role in the event. Once the lawyer knows what has to be done, he or she may pursue the negligent party for full and reasonable recompense.

Poorly maintained vehicle in bad weather

The vehicle itself must be kept in a reasonably safe condition, which is the responsibility of the driver or owner. Vehicles that haven't been properly maintained may be more likely to crash when the weather becomes poor. A vehicle with bald tires, for instance, is more likely to hydroplane in the rain. 

Car owners should make sure their vehicle is ready to drive in inclement weather before venturing out. The tread, pressure, wipers, and lights may all be checked. In the winter, drivers may need to switch to snow tires, have the vehicle serviced by a professional, replace worn or broken parts, ensure the correct pressure in the tires, remove ice from the windshield, clean the headlights, and possibly even replace burned-out bulbs. 

How to prepare your car?

Check the tires, wiper blades, fluid, and lights using a visual and hands-on examination. Make sure that the windshield wipers are in good condition and can do their job. Make sure the spare tire is in good condition. Tire tread is crucial for slowing down and stopping in an emergency on wet or snowy roads. The battery, antifreeze, wiper fluid, and headlights should all be inspected. Keep your lights shining and your license plates clean so that they can be easily seen. When traveling in inclement weather, always use your headlights, turn signals, and hazard lights.

It's important to be able to see in front of you at all times when driving, regardless of the weather outside your car, so make sure you're as visible as possible. Make sure all mirrors and windows are defogged completely If your trip is going to be delayed, be sure you have enough gas.

Driving in rain

When it's raining, you need to drive with extra care since the car's response time increases, and vision and stability both suffer significantly. On a day with heavy weather, every oversight behind the wheel has the potential to result in an unwanted accident. Therefore, it is essential that you pay attention to the road and take as many safety measures as you can. When driving at night, you need to use an even higher level of caution than usual.

One of the aspects of driving that has to be altered is the speed, which needs to be brought down to a safer level. On the other hand, you must keep a pace that is not too sluggish since going too slowly might also result in an accident. Rapidly accelerating and heavily breaking not useful in any circumstance; nevertheless, they are riskier when the weather is unfavorable. Therefore, make an effort to drive as smoothly as possible.

Other factors that need your attention include maintaining the emergency lights while you are stuck in traffic, ensuring that the windshield is in excellent condition, ensuring that the glass does not fog up, and maintaining an appropriate temperature inside the car. If you pay attention to all of these suggestions, you won't have any difficulties on those days when it rains.

Driving in fog

Make sure you can see the road by slowing down and using your headlights if you encounter fog. If you can't see more than 100 meters in front of you, turn on the lighting to improve your visibility and make you more visible to other drivers. In the event of fog, low beams should be used instead of high ones. The strong light causes a reflection of the mist, which obscures your eyesight and makes it more difficult to drive safely.

Don't assume that your parking lights will be enough to see through the midday fog. The emergency flasher should not be used. If you drive with your emergency lights on or tap the brakes often, other drivers may get concerned and attempt to overtake you, which is dangerous for both of you. Be wary of motorists who choose to drive without headlights. Keep your speed under control at all times, and give yourself plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you on the road. Maintain a distance of three seconds between vehicles under normal circumstances; because of the reduced visibility that fog produces, this distance should be significantly increased.

Driving in strong winds

Never take your hands off the wheel, and always pay attention to where you're going. When driving a big truck or pulling a trailer, a tight hold with both hands is necessary since the wind might cause the vehicle to shift.

Slowing down gives you more time to respond to and avoid obstacles, such as falling objects or drivers who fail to stay inside their lanes. Expect debris from the high winds to lurk around every curve on the road in hilly places.

More distance will be covered before you can restore control of your car if you are driving quickly and an unexpected gust of wind hits, so slow down. 

Increase the two-three second gap between your automobile and the one in front of you to at least five or six seconds. This is particularly true while following large vehicles like trucks or buses, or any vehicle pulling a trailer or caravan.

If you think your vision might be reduced due to blowing dust, sand, snow, or rain, turn on your headlights. When moving from a wind-sheltered location to an open area, be prepared to make course adjustments.

You should only pass another vehicle if you really must and know you can do it safely. Don't swerve or turn the wheel abruptly; instead, drive calmly and steadily.

​How should the driver act?

Maintaining a healthy and physically fit lifestyle is essential for any responsible driver who wants to be prepared for the challenges that extreme weather might bring. In inclement weather, it's especially important to have your wits about you and utilize all of your senses to see potential dangers.

Always indicate your turn in advance. Slow down and signal to oncoming traffic far in advance of your turn. Keep an ear out for updates on the traffic situation. While driving, tune in to a local weather radio station at a low level to learn about any road closures or accidents in the vicinity.

Seatbelt use is mandatory in vehicles, so in extreme conditions, it is extremely important to buckle up. The cruise control must be off. Drivers must maintain command of their vehicles so they can make prompt modifications in adverse weather.

Do not brake too harshly. In wet conditions, a motorist should take their foot off the pedal and brake gently. Keep an eye out for approaching brake lights. Keep your turns gradual and slow. Accidents and skids are possible outcomes of evasive driving actions.

Never drive when your vision is poor. Temporary loss of sight and increased weariness might result from incoming lights' glare and rain, fog, or snow on the glass.

Stop if you need to. If the weather is bad, it's best to stop somewhere off of the way to relax. 
Don't get behind the wheel if you haven't had a full night's rest; your whole concentration will be needed under hazardous driving circumstances.

Stay away from buses and vehicles. Water sprayed by large cars might obscure the view of other motorists in the area. Leave plenty of clearance for oncoming traffic, and never drive in water. If you reach a flooded road, you should back out. 

Drivers are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of flash floods and strong currents, which may occur suddenly and force them off the roads. If you can't see the bottom of the water, don't risk crossing it. In addition, the mechanical and electrical components of a vehicle might be harmed by being driven through deep water. 

Emergency Preparedness

Keep an ear out for traffic and weather updates on the radio and TV, and take them seriously. Always fasten your seatbelt and insist that your passengers do the same. It's the law, and it might save your life if you're driving in inclement weather.

Keep an eye out for signs indicating the presence of potentially dangerous weather, such as permanent signs indicating exposure to strong winds or changeable message signs on highways indicating the presence of fog, snow, or temporarily decreased speed restrictions.

Keep a cell phone with you at all times, and let loved ones know when you expect to return from any trips of a more urgent nature.

In case you are stuck and need to contact someone for assistance, make sure your phone is fully charged and have a vehicle charger handy.

What should be in your vehicle?

You should be ready for the worst-case scenario, in which you get trapped in the snow or cold. Before setting off, you may either purchase or make an emergency auto kit. Items such as a high visibility jacket and a torch/flashlight with batteries are examples of what may be considered protective clothing and blankets.

- Drinking water, high-calorie snacks like fruit bars, granola bars, almonds, etc.
- If you're planning on driving in the snow, pack additional clothes, snow boots, flares, a shovel, and maybe even some carpet strips to put under your tires.
- Equipment for administering first aid
- Battery jumper cables
- A global positioning system (GPS) navigator or map in case of unexpected detours
- An item used for hauling.

Those who have obligations that require them to go on the road must make travel preparations in advance! Driving in inclement weather will often take more time and increase your stress level.  Your level of tension will grow, which may have a detrimental effect on your ability to drive safely if you do not give yourself sufficient time to reach the location. If you make preparations in advance for inclement weather and the challenges it could provide, you will be in a better position to deal with unfavorable circumstances on the road. Stay safe!