The winter weather is starting to blow in and cause havoc on the roadways. Three people were recently killed in Northern California because of blustery rains and an Oakland, California man died after he crashed into a fallen tree while attempting to avoid debris in the road. In Yuba County, California, a woman died when a tree fell on the parked car where she was sitting. More than 50 cars have already been left stranded this winter in snowy rural Nevada.
When such winter weather reaches Northeastern Pennsylvania, we will likely hear similar reports of hazardous wintery road conditions causing motor vehicle crashes. Note that National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from 1995-2008 reveal that an average of 1,511,200 weather-related crashes occur every year — comprising 24 percent of all crashes. Of those crashes 329,300 persons are injured and 7,130 are killed. Approximately 17 percent of all traffic fatalities are caused by weather-related accidents.
Winter weather’s impact on roads
Every driver knows that winter weather means strong winds, precipitation, fog and other dangerous conditions. An experienced auto accident lawyer can help analyze the weather conditions and determine how they may have caused the accident that injured you.
High winds
Strong winds may reduce visibility and obstruct lanes due to wind-blown snow. Traffic speed may decrease and accidents may increase because vehicles cannot perform as in normal conditions.
Precipitation — snow, ice and rain
Rain, snow and ice severely impact visibility and roadway friction. In addition, snowy conditions can restrict roadway capacity. During heavy rains or snow, traffic speed decreases dramatically while the potential for accidents increases.
Fog
Dependent the thickness of the fog, visibility can be minimal. Even if motor vehicles decrease their speed appropriately, the risk of accidents is extremely high because of the lack of visibility.
Road conditions
Winter weather, especially snow and ice, can cause serious damage to roadways making them more hazardous. Accidents may occur more frequently as drivers attempt to steer away from potholes and other road hazards.
As we enter the winter-weather season of rain, wind, snow and fog, remember to drive with extra caution. If you happen to be involved in a motor vehicle accident, call the auto accident attorneys at Rosenn, Jenkins and Greenwald, LLP.