Harsh weather can be just as dangerous for drivers as other negligent motorists. Before you head out on the road, you should always be cautious about the bad weather conditions that might be out there and posing serious hazards.
A few examples of dangerous road conditions caused by the weather:
- Heavy snow will make it difficult for your tires to gain traction on the road. Cold temperatures that cause snow can also freeze your vehicle’s gas line, causing other dangers.
- Rainfall limits driver visibility while also decreasing tire grip strength on the road, contributing to a higher number of car accidents when it rains.
- When ice forms over asphalt, it is known as black ice, which is virtually invisible to drivers due to its transparency and positioning over a dark spot of ground.
Safety Tips for Driving Through Harsh Weather
- Always check the forecast before heading out if you think there will be bad weather where you are going. When the forecast predicts extreme weather, decide if you can postpone your trip for a few hours or a day to prioritize safety.
- Be sure to always use tire chains whenever needed. Tire chains help your tires grip the ground when it is covered in snow.
- You should replace your windshield wipers at least once a year to ensure they will be able to effectively wipe away rain during a rainstorm. If you live in a region where it rains often, you may need to replace them more frequently.
- Slow down whenever crossing a bridge in cold weather. Black ice tends to form on bridges, which are colder than surrounding areas due to their position in the open air or above water.
- Keep your gas tank at least half-full at all times when driving in snowy conditions. This practice helps prevent gas line freeze-ups.
- Store emergency supplies in the back of your car, including at least food, water, blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a spare radio. If you become stranded in bad weather, then your emergency kit can keep you safe while awaiting rescue, or for the weather to turn.
- Tell a friend or family member where you are going when you travel through harsh weather and when you expect to arrive. They can assist search teams to find you in case you become lost or stuck.
Virginia Car Accident Attorneys On Your Side
Have you been hurt in a weather-related car accident? Pursuing damages may be difficult due to the circumstances, but it is not impossible. Let The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC and our personal injury lawyers in Alexandria help you make sense of your situation and your claim. With our 30+ years of personal injury claim management experience and history of impressive case results, we are confident we can secure for you the most compensation possible.
Would you like to know more? Call us at (571) 290-2390 to schedule a case evaluation.