Weather conditions are one of the most significant contributing factors to car accidents. These weather-related accidents are often the result of irresponsible driving behavior and a lack of proper caution by drivers.

Weather Conditions That Cause Car Accidents

Car accidents that result from the weather aren’t limited to winter and the difficult driving conditions the colder months can bring. Loss of control and difficulty gauging the surroundings can occur during any time of year.

Rain

Tires grip the road as your car travels on asphalt. However, rain can result in less traction, causing the vehicle to skid, especially when making turns or braking. Driving safely in rainy conditions requires increasing your distance from other vehicles and reducing your speed to maintain control while braking.

Snow and Freezing Rain

Snow and freezing rain can cause slippery roads, leading to a loss of traction and preventing you from stopping quickly. Patches of thin ice on the road can be nearly impossible for drivers to detect before it’s too late. These dangerous icy formations are called black ice due to how they blend in with the color of the asphalt, making them difficult to prepare for.

Fog

Fog is a common weather phenomenon in the northeast, and the lack of visibility in foggy conditions is a common cause of New Jersey car accidents. In foggy conditions, drivers have difficulty judging distances, and brake lights and headlights of other cars can be challenging to see.

Strong Winds

A strong wind gust is enough to throw a vehicle off track, especially if it’s a lighter motorcycle or has large surfaces like a truck. Maintaining a low, steady speed is essential for controlling your vehicle. You also need to look out for objects that can drift onto the road due to the high winds to stay safe.

Negligence and Weather-Related Car Accidents

While it’s best to avoid driving in poor weather conditions, many have to drive to work or for other obligations no matter the weather. Adjusting your speed to the conditions, keeping enough distance from other vehicles, and being careful not to brake hard on slippery surfaces are some of the best practices to follow in bad weather. 

Drivers who act irresponsibly in poor weather and cause accidents are liable for their behavior. If you’re the victim of such irresponsible driving, you need to contact a car accident law firm that can help you recover the damages you deserve.