Georgia weather can be unpredictable. From extreme heat to days of endless rain, it can seem like there is always a different season outside. Yet, weather itself is a risk factor in car accidents. In some situations, weather conditions will make it more challenging for a driver to operate their vehicle in a safe manner, and that can lead to numerous risks for accidents and injuries. Consider a few types of weather events that could put you at risk. Talk to a Newnan car accident attorney from Kam, Ebersbach & Lewis, P.C., today.
Heavy Rain
It is easy to see what could happen when there is substantial rain. Heavy rain from thunderstorms or a downfall can make it very hard to see. The distance in front of your car that you can safely navigate and see is cut significantly. In addition to this, the rain makes the roadway slippery and could allow your car to skid out of control. In other situations, a heavy downpour can lead to flooding. Even short-term flooding is risky to drive through and can lead to brake and tire failures.
Extreme Heat
A hot, humid day in Georgia is nothing to consider an enjoyable experience, but it can also create adverse conditions on the roadway as well. Georgia’s high temperatures tax a vehicle and make it harder for you to control it in some situations. For example, there is a higher risk of the vehicle overheating and breaking down as a result. Other times, the tires can blow out. In extreme heat, drivers are also at risk if they are dehydrated or unable to focus on the roadways.
Dense Fog
When fog rolls in during the early morning hours, it is quite common for visibility to drop significantly. Depending on the intensity of the fog, you may be limited to visibility to just a few feet in front of your car. That means you may not see an animal that runs out into the road or a child that is going after a ball. Dense fog during high traffic periods makes it more likely you will not see the brake lights of the car in front of you as well.
Winter Weather
While some areas of the state get some snow, ice is a concern in many parts of Georgia. Ice is dangerous because it allows for less traction between the tires of the car and the roadway, making it more likely that your vehicle will slide off the road. Winter storms that involve snowfall worsen this effect, making it hard to stop the car, reducing visibility to just a few feet, and making it more likely that a person will be unable to control their vehicle.
One of the most important factors to remember about weather and car accidents is that you are always responsible for driving your vehicle safely. If you cannot do so, you should pull over and wait until the weather improves. In short, you maintain responsibility for any accidents you cause, even if the weather is to blame for them.