An estimated 21% of car accidents are caused by hazardous driving conditions, many of which can be avoided by practicing safe driving techniques. Knowing how to navigate dangerous road conditions can keep you and others safe, ensuring that everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.
If you want to keep yourself and others safe on the road, keep reading! Compass Law Group, LLP is here to give you the top 10 unsafe road conditions to drive in and what you can do to drive responsibly.
Identifying Unsafe Road Conditions That Could Lead to an Auto Accident
Knowing the risks when you get on the road helps you prepare and practice safe driving. Driving unprepared can lead to serious car accidents and personal injury. Here is a quick list of some of the most common dangerous roadway conditions and what you can do to keep yourself safe in these scenarios:
1. Rain-Covered Roads and Puddles
Wet roads seem harmless enough, but a little moisture can impact how your tires grip the road. The treads on your tires allow them to use friction to grip the road and keep your car stable as you drive. When water is introduced into the equation, your tires have less friction on the road surface. This means it takes longer for your car to come to a complete stop, and sudden braking can cause you to slide on the road.
To stay safe while driving in the rain, keep a 3-car-length distance between the car in front of you, and give yourself ample space to brake. Avoid driving through puddles when you can; if you need to, drive through them slowly.
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2. Strong Winds
Think about the size and shape of your car. Cars are designed for smooth airflow as the car moves forward, but any wind that comes from the sides pushes up against the car. In circumstances with strong winds, your car can quickly turn into a giant metal kite that catches the wind and gets pushed around. You could get pushed into another lane or lose control if you’re not careful.
In circumstances with severe winds, pull over on the shoulder of the road away from tall structures. Do NOT go under bridges or overpasses, as these become wind tunnels that only strengthen wind speeds. If you need to drive, drive slowly and stay aware of your surroundings. Keep a safe distance from other cars and stay away from vehicles with high profiles, such as semi-trucks.
3. Snow, Slush, and Sleet
Snow may be pretty to look at from the comfort of your home, but it can quickly turn into slush and sleet on the roads. Similar to rain, slush adds moisture to the road that prevents your tires from properly gripping the asphalt or pavement. A greater threat is black ice, which is a thin layer of ice that is easily mistaken for a damp road. Driving on black ice or slush can cause your car to spin out or slide, leading to a serious car crash.
To keep you and other drivers safe, drive slowly on snow and ice. Invest in snow tires or chains you add to your tires for extra grip on the road. If it’s cold enough and it looks like the road is wet, always treat it like ice and drive with extreme caution.
4. Fog
Fog is an uncommon weather phenomenon that can limit your field of view and obstruct obstacles in the road. In severe circumstances, you may only be able to see a few yards ahead of your car, meaning you can’t see a person or a roadblock until it’s too late.
When driving in a foggy area, slow down and turn on your low-beam headlights. High beams can reflect off the fog and cause additional glare, so keep them on low so other cars can better see you. Keep a large distance between yourself and other vehicles, and turn on your defroster to help with condensation on your windshield.
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5. Poorly Maintained Roads
Roads require routine maintenance and upkeep from the city to keep them clear of any damage such as cracks and potholes. If the roads aren’t properly maintained, these damages can quickly become safety hazards for drivers.
If you find yourself driving down a road that looks busted up or damaged, always drive with caution. Slow down and keep an eye out for potholes and other serious road damage. Drive around these obstacles if you can safely do so, and keep a good distance away from other cars in the area.
6. Clear Zones
Clear zones refer to areas on the side of the road where you can safely pull over in the event something happens. This can include the shoulder, bike lanes, and auxiliary lanes. Pulling over into these zones gets you out of the way of traffic, but you’re still close enough to be at risk. Cars are still driving quickly, which puts you at risk of a collision.
To safely use or drive through a clear zone, stay aware of your surroundings and watch for cars driving past you. Get as far over as you can and remain in your vehicle if possible.
7. Darkness
Driving at night limits your field of view and what’s visible. On top of that, headlights from other cars driving past you can make it hard to see, so you want to drive carefully to avoid a collision.
When you drive at night, keep your headlights on so other cars can see you. Pay attention to your surroundings and keep a safe distance from other cars on the road. If you’re in a new city, keep your maps open so you know where to go and when to turn.
8. Dangerous Intersections
Busy intersections mean a lot of cars, and a lot of cars mean a greater risk of something happening. With people speeding through, you risk a collision with another car.
When navigating a tricky intersection, look for signage that indicates the traffic rules and adhere to the traffic lights. When the light turns green, don’t be afraid to sit for a second or two and look for cars speeding through the intersection. That few seconds could save you from a car crash.
9. Faulty Traffic Lights
Traffic lights control the flow of traffic and prevent collisions at intersections. When these lights malfunction, traffic is disrupted, and it can devolve into the Wild West.
If you’re at an intersection with a broken light, take in your surroundings. If the lights are flashing red, that means to treat the intersection like a 4-way stop sign. If the lights are completely off, see if someone is directing traffic and follow what the rest of the traffic is doing.
10. Curvy Roads
Long and winding roads are relaxing to drive down, but don’t get too comfortable. An obstacle or another car could be hiding around the bend, and if you’re not careful, you could get into an accident.
To keep yourself and others safe, always pay attention to your surroundings while driving. Take turns carefully to prevent losing control of the car, and keep an eye out for anything on the road.
What To Do if You Are in an Accident
- Call Emergency Services: The most important thing to do is contact local authorities. They can send the police and emergency medical services to your location. Seek immediate medical attention before anything else.
- Collect Evidence: Once you know you’re okay, take photos of your car and the scene around the accident. These will be used later when you file a claim.
- File a Claim: You can then file a claim with your insurance company for the accident. You also need to file a formal report with the police department so they have a record of the incident.
- Contact a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney: If another party is involved in the accident, get in touch with a personal injury attorney in your area. They can help you get the compensation you deserve.
How To Keep Yourself and Others Safe on the Road
Safe driving techniques can vary slightly depending on the circumstances, but the core principles are the same: stay alert and slow down. In short, here are a few general best practices to drive safely and protect everyone on the road:
- Keep a safe distance from other cars on the road.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and changing road conditions.
- Keep up with routine maintenance on your car.
- Make sure everyone in the car is wearing their seatbelt.
How Our Attorneys Can Help You
Filing a claim with your insurance company or a personal injury claim can get finicky with all the legal jargon and fancy words. A personal injury attorney from Compass Law Group, LLP, will help you navigate the mess and point you in the right direction for maximum compensation. A legal team knows the system like the back of their hand, and they know all the tricks to make the process smoother.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with Compass Law Group, LLP
If you’re looking for legal help in the Los Angeles area, look no further than Compass Law Group. Our team will treat your case with the decency and respect you deserve while fighting for your compensation. And the best part is: you don’t pay us a thing unless we win your case. Schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys to discuss your options.
