How Do Low-Visibility Weather Conditions Affect Drivers?
Driving is typically easy in Colorado, but that changes when the weather goes wild. Even the most experienced and careful drivers can cause accidents when driving in low-visibility weather conditions. Statistically, according to the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 21% of all car accidents occur during adverse weather conditions. Conditions that tend to reduce the visibility of the road require the driver to exercise extra caution and adjust their normal driving behavior.
Poor weather conditions also lead to a loss in traction between the vehicle and the road due to hydroplaning, reduce a driver’s steering ability, and increase the time and space required to bring the car to a stop. If you get injured in an accident due to low visibility, you may still be entitled to compensation if the other driver is found at fault. Colorado auto accident lawyers at Mintz Law Firm can help you with insurance claims or lawsuits after an accident.
Ways That Low-Visibility Weather Affects Drivers
Bad weather can seriously affect your safety on the road. Inclement weather creates different road hazards for which drivers need to be prepared to manage while on the road. The most common problem drivers face is a result of reduced friction on the highways. Without friction, the car’s steering column and brake system become less effective, reducing your ability to accelerate, brake, and steer the vehicle.
Other problems brought about by adverse weather conditions include:
- Reduced visibility due to weather conditions such as fog, smog, and mist.
- Drifting
- Debris or other obstructions in the road
- Increased risk of skidding or hydroplaning
- Inability to stop or change lanes
- Increased traffic on the roads as drivers opt to slow down their driving
- Slow-moving or stop-and-go traffic
The above-mentioned situations can lead to serious car accidents, causing severe injuries and other damages. It’s prudent to be extra cautious.
Protecting Yourself While Driving in Bad Weather Conditions
You’d want to account for changes in the road conditions during adverse weather conditions by adjusting your manner of driving. Some ways to reduce car accidents during low-visibility weather include:
- Driving at or below the speed limit
- Obeying all traffic signals and signs
- Consistently using turn signals
- Reducing all distractions while driving
- Using headlights to increase visibility
- Increasing the distance between you and other vehicles. This allows you more time to stop the car.
- Performing routine vehicle maintenance like replacing tires that have worn-down treads and installing weather-appropriate gear, such as snow chains
These steps will allow you enough time to react to changes on the road. Keep yourself and others safe on the road, especially during low-visibility weather.
Possible Injuries During a Car Accident
In low-visibility weather conditions, a driver may be unable to slow down or brake in time before crashing with your vehicle. A high-speed impact with another car will suddenly cause your car to come to a halt, causing you and anyone else in the vehicle to experience intense force during the collision.
Some common types of injuries you may experience as a result of such car accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Damage to internal organs and spinal cord
- Lacerations and bruises
- Neck and back injuries
- Dislocations, strains, and sprains
- Concussions or brain trauma
Treatment for these injuries may be expensive and/or may require long recovery periods or therapy. You, however, may not be in a position to pay for these expenses. The compensation from your car accident injury claim will help ensure that all accident victims receive the medical care they need.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer?
It is our duty to keep others safe on the road. If you or your loved one is involved in an accident due to a driver’s negligence or reckless behavior, you need to get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible. Accidents during bad weather can have detrimental effects on your health and future.
In addition to emotional and physical pain, an accident can leave you with hefty medical bills, vehicle repairs, and the financial strain of taking time off work for recovery. In this challenging time, you need a car accident attorney you can rely on. Our lawyers are prepared to help you seek maximum compensation for your damages and will avail you of all legal avenues that you can pursue.
Get in Touch With Experienced Colorado Auto Accident Lawyers Today
Getting injured during a car accident is a devastating event that will require large amounts of finances to recover and move forward. The personal injury lawyers at Mintz Law Firm understand the importance of fair compensation after an accident. We will gather sufficient evidence to support your claim and negotiate with the liable insurance provider on your behalf to help ensure you receive maximum compensation.
We will fight for you in court if it comes to that. You can trust that we will do everything in our power to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Call (303) 462-2999 or fill out our contact form to arrange a free consultation.