Vallejo Winds Create Dangerous Roads
I’m Ed Smith, a Vallejo car accident lawyer. The National Weather Service has put out an advisory warning for windy conditions for the entire San Francisco Bay Area. It is crucial for motorists to be aware of damaging winds, heavy rain and the potential for falling trees.
Expected Wind Speeds
According to state officials, southerly wind speeds are expected to reach 30 miles per hour with short gusts of speeds up to 40 miles per hour in areas of lower elevations and gusts in excess of 50 miles per hour in areas of higher elevation.
Wind Traffic Hazards
Winds of this intensity can make driving difficult and can increase the risk of car accidents. Strong winds can not only push cars around and make it more difficult for motorists to operate their vehicles safely, but can also knock over trees and other structures leaving hazardous debris along the roadways. Strong winds also have the ability to cause power outages, which can make roads dim and unsafe to drive. Allowing plenty of extra time to reach your destination or staying in until the storm clears will prevent the occurence of auto accidents.
Driving in Strong Winds
When driving in windy weather it is important to be very alert and aware of your surroundings. Winds can cause debris on the side of the road to blow in front of your vehicle. High-speed winds are also liable to knock the branches off of trees and into roadways.
Slowing Down
It is also important to slow down when driving during periods of high-speed winds. This is because strong winds make it harder to control a vehicle and reduce a driver’s ability to react. Because sudden gusts can cause unanticipated hazards to arise, it is important to allow oneself more time to react in order to prevent the occurence of traffic collisions.
Large Trucks
Giving large trucks a lot of space is yet another way to reduce risk while driving in strong winds. Big rigs are more affected by the wind than other vehicles on the road and may need to perform sudden maneuvers to deal with forceful gusts. Most truck drivers are trained to deal with these problems. However, giving them room is always a good idea and can help prevent accidents that cause traumatic injuries or death.
Side Winds
Side winds tend to present the biggest challenge to motorists. A particularly forceful side wind has the ability to blow a vehicle off course. If you notice this happening to your vehicle, steer gently in the direction opposite the direction the wind is blowing you. Be careful not to panic and over-correct; smooth, gentle movements are key to driving in side winds.
Vallejo Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Vallejo car accident attorney. If you, or someone close to you has been seriously injured in a car accident, call me at (707) 564-1900 for free, friendly advice. Or, if calling long distance, contact me toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
I have been handling cases involving wrongful death and personal injury in California for more than 3 decades.
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