How Weather Affects Driving Conditions

Driving Cars in a Traffic Jam (Photo credit: epSos.de)

Everyone knows that rain and snow cause more accidents, so people have become more cautious when driving in those conditions; however, there are dangers that can occur while driving on the best of days, when people are not as responsive.

An interesting condition to consider the next time it’s warm is humidity levels and their effects on the road. Changes in moisture alter asphalt, melting and remolding it. The roads then become cracked, raveled and full of holes. Mixing all of that with the constant amount of vehicles zooming atop it creates a very hazardous street or highway. But most drivers do not think of that when it’s a good day for the beach.

Wind speed is also a major culprit in car accidents. Heavy gusts can occur in any weather and when it is sunny outside, drivers will not notice the wind until it has almost forced them into another lane. Depending on the location and surrounding lands, wind can impair visibility by blowing dirt or trash around the freeways. There is also the added risk of larger items being carried into the driving lanes.

Rain and snow obstruct a driver’s vision as well as the roads on which he/she is driving. The cement or asphalt beneath the vehicle is now covered with a slippery coat that does not stabilize car tires well. People also decrease their speed (which is recommended) and that causes sudden changes in traffic flow. The easiest way to get rear-ended is by someone who did not immediately notice the stopped car in front of him/her.

Fog can be just as dangerous and as unpredictable as rain or snow. Light fog is manageable, though irritating; heavy fog is chaotic. Brake lights are barely visible from feet away and each driver drives at a different speed, unaware of what’s ahead. Accidents are very likely in these conditions and traffic flow decreases to a stop.

Weather plays a major role in shaping drivers’ commutes. Whether it simply affects the speed of traffic or momentarily blinds people, it can be very dangerous. Traffic collisions can happen at any time and during any forecast, and finding the right car accident attorney is important.