What are some fall weather hazards?

Traffic accidents have many causes, such as bad signage, speeding, texting while driving, driving under the influence, and more. However, it is essential for all drivers to remember that poor weather can cause crashes too. In parts of Orange County, and across California, some people may feel as if they are fortunate to avoid certain weather issues that are more prevalent in other areas, such as heavy snowfall and icy roads. However, there are numerous weather-related threats that can cause a crash during the fall.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are different ways in which strong winds can cause a motor vehicle accident. For example, significant gusts of wind could cause roadways to become obstructed due to fallen trees and other types of debris, which could cause drivers to drive erratically in an attempt to avoid the debris. Moreover, wind can interfere with a driver’s ability to see the road by whipping up dust, for example. During the fall, rain is another serious concern. In fact, a majority of the auto accidents that were related to weather between 2005 and 2014 took place on roads that were wet while it was raining. Fog is yet another potentially dangerous weather-related factor.

Drivers can take steps to reduce the likelihood of a crash during inclement weather. Sadly, some act recklessly, such as reaching dangerous speeds, which can be even more hazardous when conditions are poor. Those who cause innocent victims to endure painful injuries must be held fully accountable for the suffering their actions cause.