The vast majority of car accidents are avoidable if drivers behave drive responsibly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 94 percent of all traffic crashes between 2005 and 2007 involved human error. Drunk driving, speeding, texting – these are all mistakes that are entirely in the driver’s control; however, even the safest motorists cannot control the weather.
Data from the Federal Highway Administration shows that weather contributed to 22 percent of all crashes between 2005 and 2014. During those years, rain was by far the most hazardous weather event: Wet pavement contributed to nearly 16 percent of all crashes, and active rainstorms were a factor in 10 percent.
While an active rainstorm will impair your visibility, wet pavement can affect your vehicle’s handling by reducing traction between your tires and the road. Your risk of crashing significantly increases if your vehicle hydroplanes, which happens when a tire entirely loses contact with the road’s surface.
Even if weather is a contributing factor in an accident, a driver may still be liable for damages. For example, if you were injured by a motorist who did not adjust his or her speed or following distance to the weather conditions, then you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
If the incident happened in Nevada, contact an injury lawyer from Ed Bernstein & Associates. An auto accident attorney in Las Vegas will help you recover the maximum compensation for your damages. Call 702-240-0000 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
4 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Crashing in Wet Weather
Your risk of getting in a weather-related accident will reduce dramatically if you take the proper precautions and adjust your driving to the road conditions. Here are four tips to help you avoid collisions when Mother Nature strikes:
- Turn on your headlights when driving in rainy weather;
- Double your following distance when driving on the highway;
- Reduce your speed to help your tires maintain traction with the road; and
- Do not drive over puddles – this will increase your risk of hydroplaning, and standing water may be hiding a pothole.