Unpredictable Pennsylvania weather may precede serious crashes
Thousands of accidents every year are caused by adverse weather conditions.
It might take a long time before Pennsylvania residents forget the extreme weather conditions that caused numerous car accidents across the state last year. In fact, with the unpredictable weather that’s common to the region, motorists may face the same dangers this year. The Weather Channel reported on a devastating chain-reaction crash last winter that was caused by freezing rain. More than 50 vehicles were involved in that incident, 31 people went to the hospital and one person was killed.
It is hoped that an accident of that magnitude will be avoided this year. However, statistics prove that weather is a force to be reckoned with on the roads. According to the United States Federal Highway Administration, 23 percent of all car collisions are attributed to weather conditions. Every year, about 6,250 people are killed and more than 480,000 are injured in crashes due to adverse weather.
Winter conditions that drivers face
On any given day this winter, Pennsylvania residents may encounter the following conditions:
- Slippery frost on the pavement in the early mornings
- Heavy fog
- Glare from the sun
- Rain, snow or sleet
- Slush or ice on roadways
In fact, according to Esurance, ice is one of the worst dangers that motorists can face, especially black ice. People are at great risk of being seriously injured in an accident involving black ice because it tends to be much slicker than snow, slush or thick ice. Black ice often forms after rain freezes on the roadway, usually at night or in the early morning. It may appear as wet pavement or be almost impossible to see. Black ice also tends to lack the telltale shine that ordinary ice has, and it often appears in shaded areas of the road or on bridges or overpasses.
Avoiding an accident
Fortunately, there are many things a driver can do to reduce the chances of being in a weather-related crash. The most important of these is to drive slower when the weather calls for it. Drivers should not use cruise control when the roads are wet or icy, and should only use their low headlights in heavy fog to reduce glare. If a vehicle starts to slide on ice, the driver should ease his or her foot off the gas instead of slamming on the brakes, and keep the wheel steady in an attempt to regain control. Drivers should also give other vehicles extra room on the road when weather conditions are bad.
Driving defensively may lower the chances of getting into an accident, but won’t prevent others from driving recklessly. Those who are injured this winter by careless, intoxicated or distracted drivers might wish to pursue compensation. It may help to speak with an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney.