Weather-Related Car Accidents | How To Avoid Them

 
Tips, suggestions, recommendations, and other information contained in this web page are strictly informational and are not to be solely relied upon. It is your sole responsibility to follow and perform safe and responsible driving practices, and we are not liable for injuries or damages incurred from performing such actions contained in this web page.

Weather-related car accidents are common, so what can we learn about them to help avoid these unfortunate events? According to weather-related car accident statistics from the Federal Highway Administration, weather conditions contribute to about 21%-22% of all vehicle crashes yearly,¹ with around 10% of them being car accidents caused by rain.¹

Most weather-related car accidents occur on wet pavement or during storms, such as when there is heavy rain or snow. However, light rain, fog, and even bright sunlight can also contribute to car accidents caused by poor visibility.

In Lexington, we see all kinds of weather: rain, fog, snow, sleet, and bright sunlight. With virtually all types of weather conditions possible in our area, being aware of weather conditions while driving and taking precautions can help give you more confidence on the roads.

Read this guide from Quantrell Collision to learn about the most common types of weather-related car collisions and accident causes, and tips for being better prepared in adverse conditions when traveling.

Car Accidents Caused by Rain

As we mentioned above, car accidents caused by rain make up around 10% of vehicle crashes overall¹ and about 46% of weather-related accidents.¹ Wet weather conditions make roads slick and slippery, which can lead to reduced traction between your tires and the ground, skidding or potentially hydroplaning, and ultimately a loss of control of your vehicle. With nearly half of all weather-related car accidents happening on wet pavement, it’s important to be vigilant in rainy or drizzly weather.

Tips for Driving in the Rain

There are several steps you can take to stay safe while driving and avoid car accidents in the rain:

• Slow down. Stopping on wet roads takes longer, so you should always slow down when driving in the rain to make it easier to brake for obstacles.
• Increase your following distance. The increased stopping time means you need more space between you and the car in front of you.
• Turn on your headlights. This helps you see better and allows you to be better seen by other motorists.
• Don’t use cruise control. When cruise control is activated, you have less control over the acceleration and braking, which is essential to maintain a steady speed.
• Be extra careful on bridges and overpasses. These surfaces tend to become more slick when wet because of their exposure to cold air from above and below.

If you do find yourself in a weather-related car accident, here is a plan of action for you to keep in mind:

• Check for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately.
• Move your car to the side of the road, if possible, to help prevent further accidents.
• Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers of the danger ahead.
• Call your insurance company to help you with the next steps. Single-car accidents due to weather are more straightforward. However, if another party was involved, you should collect their information as well.
• Locate an auto body collision center to handle any repair needs.

When you’re looking for a body shop in Lexington, turn to Quantrell Collision. We’re experts in comprehensive auto body repair and can help your vehicle recover from the accident with the least amount of inconvenience to you possible.

Car Accidents Caused by Poor Visibility

Poor visibility is one of the leading causes of weather-related car accidents – not being able to see results in not being able to react in time to avoid an accident.

Poor visibility can be caused by several things, but most commonly, heavy rain, heavy snow, bright sunlight, or fog. Fog specifically results in about 3% of weather-related accidents.¹

There are a number of things you can do to improve your visibility while driving:

• Turn on your headlights.
• Use your low beams. Also known as dipped headlights, these allow for better visibility in challenging weather. High beams may cause glare and actually make it harder to see.
• Turn on your fog lights when in foggy conditions. These special lights usually have a wider, flatter beam pattern that is angled sharply downward to keep it focused on the road.
• Wipe your windshield and windows. Make sure they are clear of debris and grime before you start driving.
• Consider wearing sunglasses if it’s bright out. If there is snow on the ground, it can often reflect sunlight into your eyes when you’re driving.

If you have experienced a weather-related car accident and need assistance with repairs or damage, contact Quantrell Collision for a free estimate.

Winter Driving Tips

While the weather is a factor in many car accidents, winter can typically be more dangerous than other seasons and their associated conditions. According to the FWHA, snow and sleet contribute to about 18% of weather-related crashes,¹ icy pavement results in around 13% of weather-related car accidents,¹ and snow and slushy pavement cause about 16%.¹

Tips for Driving in the Snow

Before journeying through the harsh winter weather, take note of these tips for extra peace of mind and a safe drive:

• Clean off your car before you hit the road. Snow and ice can obscure your vision and make driving more difficult. You should take the extra time to knock snow off the top of your car as well. If left on the roof, it could suddenly slide down over your windshield at a critical moment, hindering your visibility. Snow “missiles” flying off your car can also put other drivers in danger.
• Check your tires. Be sure they have enough tread and are properly inflated, which will help you maintain traction on slippery roads. PSI tends to drop along with the temperature, so if the thermostat drops 10 degrees or more in a day, recheck the tire pressure to make sure it remains at acceptable levels.
• Drive slowly. As the ground becomes more slick and dangerous, take it slow and give yourself plenty of time to brake and avoid sudden turns.
• Be extra cautious around snow plows. These large vehicles can kick up snow and ice, making it difficult to see. Stay back at least 20 car lengths to stay safe.
• Be aware of black ice. It’s an invisible layer of ice that can form on roads, bridges, and overpasses. Scale it back and drive cautiously in areas where black ice is known to form.

By following these helpful steps, you can do your part to prevent weather-related car accidents.

Contact Quantrell Collision Today

Do you have questions about auto collision repair services in Lexington, KY? Then, reach out to our body shop for answers. We work with various insurance companies to make it easier for you to get the claims approval you need. Contact us today to get started!

Don’t have time to call? You can schedule estimates online and pick a time to bring your vehicle in for us to look it over.

¹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding these statistics, visit https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm