The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there are nearly 6 million auto accidents in the U.S. every year, and around 1.25 million of those crashes—roughly 22 percent—are caused by weather-related factors. Those factors include inclement weather like rain, sleet, snow, fog, and strong winds, as well as road conditions like wet pavement, snowy or slushy pavement, and icy pavement.
At Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers, our Texas auto accident lawyers know that crashes become much more likely during bad weather. Drivers may experience limited visibility, and their tires and brakes can be less effective.
You can reduce the risks you face while driving during inclement weather by following these safe driving tips:
- Slow down. In many cases, the safest speed during inclement weather is lower than the speed limit for the road you’re on. Reducing your speed moderately or significantly can help you stay in control of your vehicle and will give you more time to react if you begin to slide on wet or icy pavement.
- Pull over if conditions become too dangerous. Don’t feel pressure to keep driving during dangerous conditions. If visibility becomes significantly reduced, or if roads become treacherous, pull over and wait for conditions to improve before continuing on.
Inclement weather is just one of many factors that contribute to crashes, but drivers can reduce their risks during bad weather when they are cautious and safety-focused. Unfortunately, not all drivers change their driving habits during bad weather, putting themselves and others at risk. We’re here to help anyone who was hurt in a crash that was caused by a negligent driver, and our consultations are always free.
