Many people are worried about how winter weather will cover the roads with snow and ice. Some people don’t realize the damage winter can do and the dangers that spring may bring. Look at the dangers of a pothole, lightning storms, and flooding.
Spring weather that can cause a car crash.
Wet Pavement
You might be surprised to find out that 70% of weather-related accidents are caused by wet roads. Wet roads cause more than 860,000 accidents a year, resulting in 4,000 deaths and over 324,000 injuries.
Sleet
This weather condition can be particularly dangerous because it develops when temperatures drop during a storm or rise, melting any snow that has accumulated. Sleet’s hybrid nature creates extremely slippery surfaces, which prevents a vehicle from gaining traction. Therefore, motorists should take extra care to avoid an accident.
Heavy Downpours
Hydroplaning is one of the most dangerous risks during a heavy downpour. This occurs when the tires on an automobile cannot remove water quickly enough to keep traction. The vehicle starts to slide on the surface of water and loses contact with the road. At the same time the driver also loses control.
It is important to note that hydroplaning occurs more often in the first 10 minutes after rainfall. The reason for this is that the residual oil and moisture on the road surface mix together, making the road slick. This happens before drivers even notice the rain.
FOG
Fog is a common weather phenomenon that occurs in Minnesota. The main threat from fog is the lack of visibility. When driving in foggy conditions, drivers should:
Decreasing Speed
How to turn off cruise control
Low-beam headlights are recommended, as bright high beams can reflect fog and cause glare.
When the fog is too thick for a vehicle to be operated safely, it’s best to pull over.
Car accident claims are based on negligence.
Extreme Heat
Heat-induced Road surfaces become even more slippery when heated. Drivers who fail to maintain proper tire pressure may experience a blowout and lose control of their vehicle. Some studies suggest that the performance of drivers can even be affected by high temperatures.
Spring car accidents: Common types
Car crashes are common during this time of the year, as more people drive, walk, and bike due to the warmer temperatures. The causes of these accidents can range from poor visibility to pedestrian accidents to traffic collisions.
Spring Safety Driving Tips to Avoid an Automobile Crash
Follow these spring driving safety guidelines to ensure your safety on the roads this spring:
- Inform yourself. Be informed.
- If possible, avoid potholes. Potholes can cause your vehicle to be out of alignment and could lead to a collision. Take it slowly if you can’t avoid it.
- Avoid large puddles if you can. Potholes that were filled with water during the winter months could cause hydroplaning or haze your vision. If possible, avoid them.
- Inflate your tires. It will limit damage to your car when you drive through potholes or other road hazards.
- Create a spring kit of emergency supplies! Create a spring emergency kit!
