Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog
With winter over, the risk of driving on icy and snowy roads is coming to an end. But it’s easy to underestimate the dangers of driving in heavy rain and fog. Not to mention, early spring in New England still has its fair share of snow flurries and black ice, especially at night. In the dark, these rapidly changing conditions can be difficult to see. You don’t have to be exceeding the speed limit to be driving too fast for adverse road conditions. Contact a Boston Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today.
One of the most dangerous wet weather conditions is heavy fog. Reduced visibility can instantly create a hazardous condition. Avoid driving in heavy fog whenever possible, but if you must drive in fog, let the painted road markings guide you. Although this won’t help to avoid crashing into vehicles or other obstructions in front of you, it will ensure that you remain in your lane.
Every year, rain is blamed for thousands of accidents nationwide. Driving on wet roads always comes with a risk, but this is especially true within the first few hours of the onset of rain. Before heavy rains wash away oil and engine fluids that accumulate on the roads, water mixes with these substances, creating a slick, greasy surface. Skidding, hydroplaning, and reduced visibility are common rain-related dangers. When roads are wet, slow down. Excessive speeds are a factor in most weather-related car accidents.
Yes, spring in New England often means snow and ice. The normal risks involved with driving on snowy or icy roads still exist, but with an added danger – the element of surprise. In Massachusetts, rain can quickly turn to snow and wet roads can become icy. This is most common after dark, when the change in conditions is difficult to see. Drivers may think the road is just wet, when it’s actually covered in black ice. Once again, slow down. Speeding kills, especially on wet or icy roads.
If you start to skid on wet or icy roads, do not slam on the brakes. Instead, steer in the direction of your skid and lightly pump the brakes. If you have antilock brakes, do not pump them. Apply even, steady pressure.
Hydroplaning occurs when all 4 wheels simultaneously lose contact with the road due to a film of water getting between the tires and the road. Do not turn the wheel or brake hard. Take your foot off the gas pedal, apply light, steady pressure to the brake pedal, and straighten the wheel.
To reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a weather-related car accident, avoid speeding, maintain a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you, don’t text or talk on the phone while driving, and make sure your car is prepared for bad weather. Tires should be properly inflated and tread should not be worn. Check windshield wipers to make sure they are in good working order before heading out. Always wear your seatbelt. Drive defensively. As with most things in life, safe driving is more about common sense than anything else.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Auto Accident Law Firm
If you’ve been injured in any type of auto accident, we can help. Even if you think the accident was your fault, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible. Time is of the essence in cases involving car accidents. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free consultation about your case.
