Any number of things can cause motor vehicle accidents – distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, and the list goes on. Bad weather is one of the contributing factors to many car crashes, which leaves drivers wondering how they can avoid collisions when the road conditions are beyond their control.
Causes of Car Accidents – Inclement Weather
Weather conditions like snow, ice, fog, wind, and rain can quickly make driving hazardous. Bad weather can cause the following:
- Decreased visibility
- Flooding
- Debris on the roadways
- Reduced traction
- Increase in wildlife on the road
- Loss of control
- Longer stopping distances
Weather phenomena are one of the leading causes of car accidents, requiring drivers to be vigilant and take extra precautions to avoid crashes.
Car Accidents Caused by Bad Weather in Georgia
Bad weather is among the most prominent causes of car accidents throughout the United States, including Georgia. Even though snow and ice are less of a concern for southern states, there are still weather-related concerns when preparing for road travel. In fact, fewer weather-related crashes occur due to snow and ice than due to rain and wet roads.
The Georgia Department of Transportation reports that inclement weather conditions caused more than 10% of accidents in the past few years.
Most crashes caused by weather occur during rainfall and when the pavement is wet, 46% and 70% respectively. North and Central Georgia see an average of 60 inches of rain per year, and it typically rains 140 days out of each year. That’s nearly 40% of the year. Because of this, accidents caused by wet roads and rainfall are common in Atlanta and the surrounding areas.
How to Avoid Weather-Related Crashes
It is impossible to completely prevent car accidents caused by bad weather, but you can prepare for inclement weather and less-than-ideal road conditions. Georgia law includes inclement weather as a factor in traffic laws. For example, drivers cannot stay in a passing lane if they are aware of other drivers trying to get around them. One notable exception to this rule is if inclement weather makes it necessary to stay in the passing lane.
State driving regulations take weather into account, but drivers are still responsible for operating their vehicles with a reasonable degree of care. This means taking extra precautions, such as slowing down if the weather makes driving hazardous.
Other steps you can take to stay safe on the roads in inclement weather conditions include:
- Leave earlier so you don’t feel rushed
- Check your car before pulling off to ensure everything is working properly
- Use low beams if there is fog
- Keep plenty of space between you and the car in front of you
- Turn on headlights when it’s raining
Contact Our Atlanta Auto Accident Injury Lawyers
If you were recently injured in a weather-related accident and want to explore your options for filing an accident claim, contact Flanagan Law. We will evaluate your case and address any concerns or questions so you can make an informed decision about the best path forward. Schedule a free consultation with us today.
