Dangerous Road Conditions to Watch for While Traveling in the United States
While the United States has improved its road conditions in recent years, many of these roads are still too hazardous for even the most experienced drivers. While many of these roads have better regulation and construction, there are still a few in the United States that are too dangerous to drive on, even for professional racer Lewis Hamilton. Here are some of the most dangerous road conditions to avoid while traveling in the U.S., including high winds, ice, snowfall, and uncertainty.
Remember that safety is first. No matter how careful you are, an accident could occur anywhere, that’s why it’s called an accident. After ensuring you are okay physically, call a car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. The goal could be to fix your car or pay your medical bills. A lawyer will be the one who will guide you on where to go in your car accident case.
High winds
Driving in high winds can be extremely hazardous for both you and your cargo. A truck that has rolled with their windows broken could cause multiple cars to pile up on you. Furthermore, a truck that has hit and taken down power lines in heavy rain can lead the roads pitch black. The only way to combat high wind conditions is by heightened road awareness. Read on to learn how to drive safely in windy conditions.
The first suggestion we have for driving in high winds is to tread slowly. Heavy winds can cause trees to fall or power lines to snap. In addition, they can cause cargo to blow out of the vehicle. You should slow down if you’re driving in high winds, and make sure to keep your distance from other vehicles and steer carefully. Avoid using cruise control, which can cause you to lose control if the wind picks up. High winds also make steering more difficult, so you should make sure you have a firm grip on the steering wheel.
Ice
Driving on slippery roads is extremely dangerous. It increases the likelihood of skidding and losing control of your vehicle. In particular, black ice is dangerous, since it is not visible like surface ice. It appears as if it is wet, but tires have virtually no traction on it. The best way to avoid slipping on icy surfaces is to slow down and stay alert. Below are some tips for driving on slick roads.
Stay alert, watching the roads for black ice. Most patches of ice are small enough to be avoided by slowing down and driving slowly. Because tires with less traction cannot fight gravity as effectively, cars tend to accelerate quickly on slippery surfaces. Hitting your brakes suddenly can make the situation worse. Be sure to check the temperature of your vehicle’s exterior. This is particularly important in the shaded areas of the road.
Snowfall
Between 2007 and 2016, 1.2 million crashes occurred as a result of severe weather. Those crashes caused 418,000 injuries and five fatalities. That’s about 21 percent of crashes. Although drivers in many parts of the country are usually vigilant and aware of weather conditions, limited visibility can make them vulnerable to accidents. Moreover, drowsy or distracted drivers are more likely to make mistakes while driving in snow. This article covers some of the most common mistakes people make when driving in the snow.
The best way to avoid accidents during heavy snowfall is to slow down and drive cautiously. Snow is just as slippery as ice, and you have to slow down or stop immediately to avoid an accident. Keeping your windows clear will also help you spot potentially slippery spots. Remember that snow tends to stick to shaded areas and will remain there for longer than on paved roads. To avoid an accident, slow down, and watch for warning signs.
Uncertainty
When driving, you have to keep your eyes peeled for any potentially hazardous road conditions. The Sichuan-Tibet Highway runs across China and crosses twelve mountains with an elevation above 16,000 feet. At this altitude, the air has half the oxygen of the air at sea level. You may feel symptoms of altitude sickness as a result of low oxygen levels. The following list of road conditions is helpful in preparing for a traumatic crash.
Rain is another dangerous road condition, and so are many others. According to the Federal Highway Administration, almost 47 percent of all collisions that involve weather involve rain. Rain contributes to three hundred thousand injuries and three hundred and forty fatalities every year, and it can be caused by other drivers or other objects. In such cases, it is essential to slow down and drive carefully. When driving through rainy weather, remember to slow down if possible. It is much safer to stop your car than to try to move through it at high speed.
Distracted driving
While driving is one of the most dangerous activities on the road, it is also one of the most distracting. This means that drivers aren’t paying enough attention to the road, which increases their risk of an accident. Using a hands-free device while driving is even worse. Studies show that drivers divert their attention for as long as 27 seconds while using their hands-free device. And when it comes to eating while driving, distracted drivers are up to 80 percent more likely to have a car accident.
According to the CDC, nearly 10 percent of fatal crashes involve young drivers involved in distracted driving. This figure rises to one-fifth of drivers of this age. Those who were using their cell phone while driving were found to be distracted in more than half of these crashes. So what are some of the most dangerous road conditions to look for? Here are a few of them. If you are in an accident due to distracted driving, it’s important to get in touch with a car accident attorney as soon as possible.
