As spring arrives, the risk of snow and ice on the road declines substantially. Unfortunately, resuming warm weather driving habits during a season of high precipitation can be an unsafe practice.
Many drivers fail to consider how spring rainstorms can impact vehicle operation and traffic safety. They may then cause preventable motor vehicle collisions because they make unsafe choices in traffic. How does spring rain impact traffic safety?
Wet pavement limits traction
During a rainstorm, the falling rain and the wind can combine to reduce visibility. Additionally, drivers have to deal with accumulated water puddling out the roads. They may be at risk of hydroplaning.
Even when there isn’t standing water present, wet pavement is still a traffic safety hazard. Wet pavement reduces traction and can affect a driver’s ability to maneuver abruptly without losing control of their vehicle.
Federal collision statistics show that roughly 75% of the collisions caused by weather conditions occur on wet pavement, and less than half of those crashes occur during active rainfall. In other words, the wet pavement left behind after a storm is responsible for a large portion of weather-related crashes.
Drivers have a responsibility to adjust their habits based on road conditions. If they don’t increase their following distance and decrease their speed when the roads are wet, they may be liable for the crashes that occur.
Reviewing the circumstances of a recent rainstorm-related wreck can help people hold the right party accountable for their injuries and property damage expenses. Drivers in St. Louis, Missouri or Illinois can benefit from the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney after a weather-related car crash.