Water Can Impact Driving Ability
I’m Ed Smith, a Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento. Wet road conditions are often overlooked when considering the likelihood and severity of a car accident. Unfortunately, this has serious consequences. According to the Federal Highway Administration:
- Close to one million car accidents occur every year on wet pavement.
- Over 500,000 crashes take place annually in the rain.
- Almost a quarter-million car accidents arise while it is snowing or sleeting outside.
- Icy and slushy pavement claim over 300,000 vehicles on an annual basis.
Some driving habits that people might think about making when driving in wet conditions include slowing down the car, turning on the headlights, and leaving more space between themselves and the car in front of them. Failure to do so might lead to an accident that can result in catastrophic personal injuries. Recently, a research study was published exploring how moisture impacts car accidents.
A Review: Water Accidents
An informative review was published exploring the various ways that moisture can impact someone’s ability to drive. Whether it is slick surfaces or bodies of water, this presents serious hazards that everyone needs to consider.
Wet Roads: Even if it isn’t raining outside, the roads can still be wet. Wet roads reduce the friction between the tires and the road, making it harder for tires to grip the surface. This means that cars can lose traction easier, potentially leading to a rollover accident while going around a curve.
Rain: If it is actively raining outside, the challenges become greater. Heavy rain can reduce someone’s visibility, so it is essential to turn on the headlights for other drivers on the road. Heavy rain can also build up within the grooves of a tire. If the tires cannot filter water quickly, they can start to float above the road. This is called hydroplaning and can lead to traumatic injuries.
Submersion: Moisture also plays a significant role if a submersion accident happens. This is the term given if someone is caught in a flash flood or if someone drives into a lake or river. As water builds up outside of the doors, they can be almost impossible to open. Therefore, people should try to break or roll down a window to escape. Remember, windows are easier to break than the windshield. After leaving the car, move as quickly as possible to safety. Keep in mind that the current might be brisk.
Related Articles
Car Accident Lawyers in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento. Wet surfaces play a significant role in the development of car accidents. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident due to wet road conditions, call me today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. I would be happy to share some friendly, free advice.
I am proud to be a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
All of my visitors are free to look at our verdicts or settlements here.
Please take a glance at Yelp, Avvo, and Google to read some helpful reviews by past clients.
Photo from Pexels
:dr cha [cs 538] cv