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It is axiomatic that nobody is in control of the weather. Two things that drivers can control are whether they choose to go out in the weather and the level of care that they will use in less-than-favorable conditions. There are numerous risks of accidents in adverse weather. If you have been injured in a car accident, you should contact an attorney to help determine whether you are eligible for financial compensation. In the meantime, here are some challenges inherent in driving during adverse weather events.
One of the major challenges of driving in inclement weather is that the roads are slippery. Snow and ice will cause hazardous road conditions that can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle or not to be able to stop in time to avoid an accident. A driver may not even know when there is ice on the road because it is difficult to see. Black ice is especially treacherous and dangerous because drivers are not able to spot it before they slide. Rain can also be hazardous because it makes the road slippery and brings up substances that may be on the roadway. The most dangerous time for drivers is right after it begins to rain.
Hydroplaning is one of the biggest dangers associated with rain. If a driver is going too fast or hits a flooded patch on the road, the car’s wheels may lose contact with the pavement. When a car hydroplanes, the driver may not be able to steer or brake. They may lose control of the vehicle and cause a serious accident.
Further, weather can reduce a driver’s visibility. When it is raining outside, a driver may have difficulty seeing both in front of them and around them on the roadway. They may also not be able to see the divide in lines on the road to know where their lane ends. Further, rain can make it difficult to see out the front windshield and into a driver’s blind spots.
Wind is also another challenging weather factor with which a driver must contend behind the wheel. Wind can make it more difficult for a motorist to control their car. They may be blown out of their lane, or they may have difficulty steering their vehicle. Wind can also kick up debris that can strike a car or end up in a motorist’s path.
Harsh weather conditions can impact the car’s performance itself. Even if there is no rain or snow, a car may not perform as it otherwise would have when it is extremely hot outside. The car may not be as responsive, and the tires have a higher risk of blowing out and causing a driver to lose control. Given the extremely hot summers in Delaware, it is entirely a risk that excessive heat can result in car accidents.
No matter how focused a driver is, there is always a risk of an accident and adverse weather conditions. Unfortunately, many drivers do not take extra care when there is harsh weather. They are still speeding and distracted, and they care little about the safety of others around them on the roadway.
Being on the road and in adverse weather conditions is not a sufficient excuse to avoid liability if you have caused a car accident. A driver is expected to know when they should not leave their home and when they should remain off the roads. If a driver does travel in inclement weather, they should only progress at a speed that is safe for the circumstances. Even if the speed limit is 55 miles per hour, it does not mean that a driver needs to go that fast. Safe may mean that they are traveling considerably under the speed limit if the roads are hazardous.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by weather conditions, the Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can represent you in the legal process. We provide determined advocacy for car accident victims as you seek the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Our offices are in New Castle and Millsboro, Delaware, and we help clients in New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.