How Bad Weather Driving Increases Accident Risk

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Car Accidents

It is no secret that bad weather can create severely dangerous driving conditions that lead to an increased chance of a car accident. For victims of car accidents caused by bad weather, it is imperative to immediately speak with insurance agents as well as an attorney. In some instances, in the event that the accident was caused by bad weather and not driver negligence — and this can be proven — a person could avoid liability for the crash, often leaving a victim without much financial recourse.

Knowing where these accidents are likely to occur can help to decrease your chance of being involved in one. According to WGNtv.com, due to geographical factors, when it rains in the Chicago area, drivers are even more prone to accidents than in other areas due to the increased risk of flooding and road closures.

Many people consider snow and ice to be among the most dangerous natural conditions that can affect road safety—and this is true. While nasty 40-vehicle pile ups caused by snowy and icy conditions can make for screaming headlines, statistically speaking, driving on a snowy afternoon in January is less dangerous than on a Saturday afternoon in August. The number of annual crashes consistently peaks in summer. This is likely because there are more people on the road — hence why Saturday is the most dangerous day.

This risk is compacted if it is raining. According to the Federal Highway Administration’s Road Weather Management Program (FHWA), dangerous conditions caused by rain cause an average of 595,900 accidents annually, 11 percent of all vehicle crashes. Snow and sleet, on the other hand, account for only 211,188 accidents annually, accounting for only 4 percent of all vehicle crashes.

There are several steps a person can take to avoid an accident, even with wet pavement conditions. The first is to reduce speed. Another is to consider that signals may be delayed in the rain, and plan accordingly. Another is to understand how your vehicle reacts to wet pavement, and learn to be prepared to act accordingly.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident in which bad weather was a factor, you may be eligible for compensation. Do not go through it alone. Contact an experienced Lake County motor vehicle accident attorney today.