Motor vehicle collisions occur for many different reasons. Some crashes are the result of intoxication or distracted driving. Occasionally, issues with vehicles, including defective components or delayed maintenance, might result in critical vehicle systems failing in traffic.
Other times, weather conditions contribute to the likelihood of a crash. Rain, heavy winds and other forms of weather can impact traffic safety and the likelihood of a collision. There is an expectation that drivers should adjust their conduct to reflect the weather and road conditions.
What steps can motorists take to reduce their likelihood of a weather-related wreck?
1. Avoiding travel during inclement weather
The simplest way to prevent intense weather from affecting traffic safety is to stay off the road during storms. If people minimize their travel during snowstorms and other types of inclement weather, they can avoid the various safety hazards that motorists encounter during bad weather. The fewer people there are in traffic when the weather is bad, the less likely major crashes are to occur.
2. Reducing travel speeds
Drivers who have no choice but to travel when the weather is poor typically need to leave earlier than they usually would. Allowing more time for travel makes it easier for them to maintain a lower speed.
The more severe the weather conditions are, the more drivers may need to reduce their speed. Wet pavement that affects traction, heavy winds that affect vehicle control and active precipitation that impedes visibility can all force drivers to slow down to ensure everyone’s safety.
3. Increasing following distance
Slowing down isn’t enough to prevent a crash when the weather is bad. Drivers typically also need to leave more space around their vehicles. They may want to double their following distance.
Typically, drivers leave two to three seconds of travel time between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them on the road. Increasing the following distance between vehicles reduces the likelihood of a driver being unable to stop or maneuver in response to another driver’s actions.
If drivers don’t make appropriate safety choices in dangerous weather conditions, then they may be liable for any car crashes that they cause. Poor weather is not an excuse for unsafe driving. Reviewing appropriate driving habits for challenging weather conditions can help people recognize when others may have done something unsafe and caused a preventable crash.