Driving in adverse conditions may be extremely difficult, especially in a state like Texas, where the weather can be unpredictable and intense. Rain presents a severe risk to drivers. Wet pavement affects traction and maneuverability, making it more difficult to control vehicles and increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, heavy rain reduces visibility and encourages drivers to reduce their speed, resulting in slower traffic flow and higher delays. On wet pavement, arterial road speeds can drop by up to 25%, while freeway speeds can fall by up to 17% after heavy rain.
The numbers illustrate the risks of driving in wet weather: over 75% of all weather-related car crashes occur on wet pavement, with nearly half occurring during rain. Wet road accidents result in approximately 5,700 fatalities and over 544,700 injuries annually. Furthermore, rain-related crashes kill over 3,400 people and injure over 357,300 per year.
In this blog, we’ll explore the common weather challenges in Texas and provide you with 11 essential tips for driving safely in adverse weather. We’ll also discuss what to do if you’re involved in a weather-related car accident and how Tate Law Offices P.C. can assist you in such situations.
How The Weather in Texas Influences Driving Conditions
Texas is well-known for its diverse and often harsh weather conditions, which can present substantial obstacles for drivers. One of the most common weather-related hazards is heavy rain, which regularly causes flash floods, particularly in the spring and fall. These sudden downpours can make driving more hazardous by reducing visibility and increasing the risk of hydroplaning. Another issue is hailstorms, which can inflict significant damage on vehicles, making the roadways even more unsafe.
Tornadoes, while more common in specific areas of Texas, can strike unexpectedly. They bring tremendous gusts, debris, and low vision, which can make driving extremely dangerous. Furthermore, even in the absence of a tornado, severe winds can make driving difficult, especially on broad highways with few natural obstacles.
Fog is another meteorological phenomenon that Texas drivers must deal with, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. Dense fog can significantly reduce vision, making it difficult to see other vehicles, road signs, and potential hazards. Although snow and ice are uncommon in Texas, they do occur, particularly in the northern areas. When they do, the roads become slick and dangerous, requiring vehicles to exercise extreme caution.
11 Tips For Driving Safely in Bad Weather
While not all accidents are avoidable, you can take certain precautions to decrease the likelihood of being involved in a car accident during inclement weather. Here are 11 tips for driving safely in adverse weather.
- Drive Slowly
Speed is the most significant factor when driving in poor weather. When the roads are wet, snowy, or foggy, your vehicle’s tires lose grip, making it difficult to stop or navigate. Reducing your speed allows you more time to respond to unforeseen situations, such as an abrupt halt by the vehicle in front of you or a steep curve in the road. In the rain, reduce your speed by at least 5 to 10 mph below the posted limit, and considerably more during heavy downpours or on slick surfaces. This precaution not only helps you keep control, but it also mitigates the severity of any potential crash.
- Increase Following Distance
In inclement weather, it is critical to extend the distance between your car and the one ahead. Normally, we advise a three-second following distance, but in poor weather conditions, you should increase this to five to six seconds. This extra distance serves as a safety buffer, giving you more time to respond if the vehicle ahead abruptly stops or swerves. In situations such as fog, rain, or snow, where stopping distances are greater due to lower traction, increased following distance is critical to avoiding rear-end collisions.
- Use Your Headlights
Severe weather can drastically reduce visibility, making it challenging for you to see the road and for other drivers to notice you. Always use your headlights when driving in rain, fog, snow, or other low-visibility situations. In foggy weather, use low beams because high beams can reflect off the fog and restrict visibility even more.
- Avoid Sudden Movements
Sudden actions, such as harsh braking, rapid acceleration, or quick turns, can cause your vehicle to skid, particularly on wet or slippery roads. When driving in inclement weather, keep your motions steady and progressive. Apply the brakes gently, accelerate slowly, and steer cautiously.
- Use Windshield Wipers and Defrosters
Keeping your windshield clear is essential for safe driving. In the rain, snow, or fog, use your windshield wipers to maintain visibility. Make sure your wipers are in good condition and replace them if they are streaking or not clearing the glass properly. Use your defrosters to keep your windshield from fogging up, which can occur when the temperature inside your vehicle differs drastically from the outside.
- Stay Out of High Waters
Flash floods are widespread in Texas, particularly after heavy rainfall, and driving through flooded areas is exceedingly risky. A few inches of water might cause your vehicle to hydroplane, whereas deeper water can halt your engine, damage your car’s electrical system, or even sweep it away. We recommend turning back and finding another route if you encounter a flooded road.
- Be Prepared for Hailstorms
Hailstorms can hit unexpectedly, causing substantial damage to vehicles. The best course of action if caught in a hailstorm is to pull over to a safe position, such as under a bridge, overpass, or in a covered area, and wait for it to pass.
- Be Cautious on Bridges and Overpasses
Bridges and overpasses are especially hazardous in cold weather because they freeze before other road surfaces. Ice on these structures can be almost imperceptible, making it simple to lose control. Approach bridges and overpasses with caution, limit your speed, and avoid making unexpected maneuvers.
- Check Your Tires
Tires are your vehicle’s single point of contact with the road; thus, they are crucial for maintaining control, especially in extreme conditions. Make sure to properly inflate your tires and maintain sufficient tread depth. Worn tires cannot hold the road as well, increasing the risk of hydroplaning or skidding.
- Stay Informed
Before leaving, check the weather forecast, especially if you’re planning a lengthy journey or driving through areas prone to severe weather. Staying informed enables you to anticipate and plan for adverse conditions. If the forecast indicates extremely dangerous weather, such as heavy rain, ice, or a strong storm, consider delaying your travel or taking a different route to escape the worst circumstances.
- Know When to Stay Off the Road
Often, the best course of action is to stay put. Whether it’s a blizzard, torrential rain, or a strong thunderstorm, if the weather is too extreme, it’s usually advisable to postpone driving completely until the conditions clear. There is nowhere worth risking your life. If you are already on the road and the conditions worsen, look for a safe location to stop so you can wait until it is safe to continue. First and foremost, it should always be your safety, as well as that of your passengers.
What To Do If You Are in A Weather-Related Car Accident in Texas
Despite taking all the precautions listed above, it is possible that you may find yourself involved in an accident. If this happens, it is important to keep calm and follow these steps:
- Check for Injuries: First and foremost, ensure that you and your passengers are safe. In the event of any injuries, promptly dial 911.
- Move to Safety: If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safer location. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Document the Scene: Take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any weather-related issues. This documentation can be quite useful when filing an insurance claim.
- Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance information from any other drivers involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, obtain their contact information.
- Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Please provide them with the details and any documentation you’ve collected.
- Seek Legal Advice: If the accident was serious or if you believe the other driver was at fault, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your options.
How Liability is Determined in Weather-Related Crashes in Texas
In Texas, the determination of liability in weather-related accidents depends on whether the drivers operated their cars in a safe and reasonable manner, taking into account the weather conditions. For instance, authorities may hold a driver accountable for driving in severe rain or following too closely, even if the weather was a contributing factor. Police records, witness accounts, and evidence from the accident scene determine liability.
Damages You Can Recover from a Weather-Related Car Accident in Texas
Victims of weather-related car accidents in Texas may be able to collect a variety of damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, disfigurement, impairment, emotional distress, wrongful death/survivor and property damage. However, the circumstances of your case and the severity of your injuries will determine the specific damages you can receive.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Tate Accident Law Texas Injury Lawyers for Legal Help
At Tate Accident Law, we understand that every weather-related car accident is unique, and the impact on your life can be profound. We are committed to ensuring that you receive the highest possible compensation for your injuries and losses. Our expert attorneys will thoroughly examine your case, obtain the required evidence, and vigorously advocate in your favor. We are adept at navigating the intricacies of Texas law, ensuring you bear no responsibility for an accident that was not your fault.
Do not let a weather-related car accident ruin your life. You deserve full compensation for your financial and personal losses. For a free consultation, contact Tate Accident Law immediately, and allow us to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve to move forward.
