Car Accidents During Hurricane Season
Accidents can happen under any type of conditions, but wind and rain in particular can present a hazard for drivers. In South Carolina, the late summer months are often marked by heavy rainfalls, tropical storms, and the occasional hurricane. Requiring drivers to use additional caution, being unprepared for these conditions can result in an increased likelihood for car accidents and injuries. While you cannot control the behavior of other drivers you encounter on the road, you can make sure you are aware of how to drive in potentially dangerous wet and rainy conditions.
How Wind and Weather Affect Traffic Conditions
While dangerous driving behaviors such as aggressive driving, driving while distracted, and driving under the influence have all been shown to increase your risk of being involved in an accident, adverse weather can result in conditions that could jeopardize your own and your passenger’s safety. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, tropical storm conditions can have a serious impact on a driver’s visibility, as well as impacting traffic flow, road friction, and your car’s usual performance standards. Impacts that could result in an increase in accidents and injuries include:
- Fog, driving rain, and high humidity, which can result in poor visibility
- Wet and slippery roads, affecting road tractions and resulting in skidding and braking issues
- High wind gusts, which make your car more difficult to handle
- Crumbling pavement, collapsed guardrails, and even other car accidents that can present dangerous obstacles
In addition to the above, flooded roads are not always easy to spot, particularly at night, and flash flooding, common in some coastal areas of South Carolina, can result in complete submersion of your vehicle in a matter of seconds.
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Safety Tips for Hurricane Season
Wind and rain can be deceptively dangerous when it comes to increasing your likelihood of accidents and injuries. When driving in these conditions, it is important for drivers to give their complete attention to the road. As we enter the height of the tropical storm and hurricane season, Travelers insurance company offers these tips for driving in wind and rain:
- Eliminate distractions, such as GPS or radios
- Anticipate heavy wind gusts, particularly on bridges and overpasses
- Keep both hands on the wheel at all times
- Be aware of larger vehicles, which could have increased problems in dealing with wind and rain conditions
- Turn your lights on so other vehicles can see you
- Give plenty of space to other cars, and drive slower than usual
In the event that your car does hydroplane, avoid slamming on your brakes or steering sharply, which could cause your car to skid more and increase your chances of injury.
Let Us Assist You with Your Case
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm. Our experienced South Carolina car accident attorneys can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
