Reduced Visibility is Regularly Responsible for Car Accidents and Crashes

Over the past ten years, data has been collected that shows that one in every five accidents is weather related. Inclement weather affect your stopping distance,you’re your visibility. In Syracuse the attorneys at McMahon, Kublick & Smith have had many car accident cases where proper measures were not taken in bad weather that resulted in a accident. When visibility is low like when driving through rain, snow, fog or even in windy conditions it is important to slow down and leave more distance between them and other cars on the road.

Car Accidents: What are Factors that Affect Your Visibility

Over 16% of accident fatalities over a ten years span is duo to weather conditions. Often when you hear of weather related accidents you think of rain, snow and ice and almost never think of visibility as a factor. The following are all ways that weather affects the visibility of a driver and their ability to avoid hazards.

  • High Wind Speeds
    The wind can cause a dangerous situation for drivers. In snowy drives the wind can create white out conditions, and can make fog and rain even worse.
  • Rain
    The rain decreases visibility because it makes it more difficult to see through your windshields. It makes it that much harder to see pedestrians an other vehicles that may not have headlights on. Rain is responsible for over 8% of all crash fatalities.
  • Snow
    Snow and ice makes for a difficult time controlling a vehicle. It is always smart to give yourself extra distance between yourself and other vehicles during snowy and icy conditions. Snow is the cause of over 13% of weather related fatalities.
  • Fog
    Fog can be dangerous because it can suddenly reduce visibility and it can be a deadly combination if you are driving at a fast speed. Visibility can be reduced in an instant to just a few hundred feet and less. Fog makes up over 9% of weather related fatalities.
  • Glare
    The sun reduces visibility as well and glare has an adverse impact on drivers during those
    morning and evening hours.

Car Accidents: Drivers are Still Liable for Weather Related Accidents

The weather can cause issues that can cause an accident because of the reduced visibility. We are still responsible for taking appropriate steps to avoid accidents. Keeping a safe driving distance from other vehicles on the road, reducing our speed, and making sure we are not driving with distractions is the best way to greatly reduce our chances of a serious accident. If another driver hits you because the failed to act in a responsible manner then you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries or property damages.

The attorneys at McMahon, Kublick & Smith personal injury law firm in Syracuse have helped thousand of clients with weather related accident claims. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation with one of our highly qualified Syracuse car accident lawyers to learn more about your legal options.