HURRICANE IAN CREATES HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS THROUGHOUT GULF

Hurricane Ian might have made landfall in western Florida, but its effects are being felt all over the Gulf Coast and beyond, making travel of any kind challenging. Driving in conditions that involve strong wind or heavy rain demands your undivided attention, so be sure to reduce driving distractions by turning the radio down and turning off and stowing your phone to help you keep your attention fully on the road. Keep in mind that sometimes the best decision you can make is to avoid driving altogether and to stay off the road completely until the weather clears.  

On average, there are over 5,891,000 vehicle crashes each year. Approximately 21% of these crashes - nearly 1,235,000 - are weather-related. Weather-related crashes are defined as those crashes that occur in adverse weather (i.e., rain, sleet, snow, fog, severe crosswinds, or blowing snow/sand/debris) or on slick pavement (i.e., wet pavement, snowy/slushy pavement, or icy pavement). On average, nearly 5,000 people are killed and over 418,000 people are injured in weather-related crashes each year. (Source: Ten-year averages from 2007 to 2016 analyzed by Booz Allen Hamilton, based on NHTSA data). Wind may not seem like it can present a significant risk, but strong wind deserves special consideration from drivers. Strong wind can occur just about anywhere, but it can be more common in wide open spaces. Areas for concern also include highway overpasses, tunnels and “road cuts” through mountainous areas that can act as funnels for wind.  

Heavy rain events, which have become more common, also create hazardous road conditions. In addition to the potentially poor visibility that accompanies most heavy rain, drivers should be ready to protect themselves against hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can occur when a vehicle is traveling too fast in heavy rain conditions, causing the vehicle’s tires to travel on a thin layer of water rather than grip the surface of the road. This has the potential to make steering and braking difficult and could even lead to losing control of your vehicle.

SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVING IN HEAVY WIND AND RAIN

The most important factor might seem the most obvious, but requires attention nonetheless: Make sure you can see. You need to be able to see clearly out all the windows. Be sure the wipers are functioning properly and adjust the speed, up to the maximum if necessary, to ensure you have a clear view ahead. You may have to adjust the climate control system to defrost mode as well, to keep the windshield and side windows clear on the inside. Turn on the rear window defogger, too, if needed. And keep looking as far ahead as you can see in the conditions, while also keeping track of the traffic around you.

The corollary to the “make sure you can see” rule is: Make sure you can be seen. Be sure you’ve turned on your headlights – daytime running lights don’t necessarily activate a vehicle’s taillights so turning on the headlamps will help ensure your vehicle is visible to others. If your vehicle has fog lights, now is the time to use them. They might help increase what you can see at night but they’ll also help you be seen and you need to be as visible to others as possible.

Slowing down and leaving more room between your vehicle and the one in front of you are also good safety tips that might seem obvious but are often unheeded. Reducing your speed so your reaction time corresponds to your visibility range is key. Leaving room in front of—and all around—your vehicle is a measure of defensive driving that can prevent accidents when stopping time is increased on wet roads or due to poor visibility.

The incredible storm surge and flooding from Hurricane Ian demonstrates the danger of driving during or immediately after a big storm event. Roadways might appear clear and mostly dry, but water can pool in dips in the road and collect rapidly, creating flooding that is capable of sweeping vehicles away. Never drive in areas where water is covering the road or where run-off historically collects. Pay attention to alerts about road closures. If necessary, stay home until conditions improve.  

CONTACT YOUR ATTORNEY

If you have been involved in an accident that occurred during a severe weather event, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Dave Thomas at The Thomas Law Firm will evaluate your legal claim for free, advising you on the type and amount of compensation you can seek.