Florida is no stranger to bad weather. Most Florida residents have experienced hurricanes, tropical storms, severe thunderstorms, and other types of hazardous weather conditions. Drivers must always take weather conditions into account when operating motor vehicles on Florida roadways. Any time drivers operate their vehicles in poor weather conditions, the odds of accidents rise. When the roads are wet, the wind is blowing, and visibility is low, car accidents are almost guaranteed to happen. And although most people know not to drive in a hurricane or tropical storm, many are willing to operate a vehicle in the rain. Although this isn’t advisable, it is often unavoidable. Therefore, it’s important for Florida residents to understand how to reduce the odds of being involved in a car accident when the weather is bad. Below are some tips for avoiding inclement weather auto accidents in Florida.
Common Causes of Inclement Weather Auto Accidents
Poor weather greatly increases the risk of auto accidents. However, car accidents are rarely caused by poor weather alone. Rather, poor weather plus reckless, inattentive, and negligent driving is what leads to most inclement weather auto accidents. Common causes of Florida bad-weather accidents include:
- Failing to slow down to account for bad weather conditions
- Low, defective, or bald tires
- Hydroplaning
- Speeding in low-lying areas
- Distracted driving
How to Stay Safe on the Road During Inclement Weather
As noted above, driving in inclement weather is sometimes unavoidable. Whether it’s due to work, school, or some other commitment, people often must drive when weather conditions are poor. Luckily, there are several things you can do to stay safe on the road during inclement weather, including:
- Always keep your eyes on the road
- Don’t text, use your phone, or do anything else that distracts you from driving
- Obey all roadway signals and signs
- Obey right-of-way laws when traffic signals aren’t working
- Watch out for debris on the road
- Adjust your speed to prevent hydroplaning
- If necessary and permitted by law, use your hazard lights
- Pull off to the side of the road if visibility is poor
Contact a Pensacola Auto Accident Attorney
If you’ve suffered injuries in a Florida car accident, you need an experienced Florida personal injury attorney on your side. Located in Pensacola, Florida, Staples, Ellis + Associates, P.A., has over seventy years of combined experience representing the victims of car and truck accidents in Northwest Florida and Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton Counties. At Staples Ellis, we will fight hard for your right to receive fair financial compensation for your Florida auto accident injuries. Therefore, if you or a loved one have been hurt in an auto accident in Pensacola or Northwest Florida, Staples Ellis is here to help. Please contact us as soon as possible to arrange a consultation with one of our talented attorneys.
Posted in: Auto Accidents