As we’ve mentioned in our previous blog, changes in the weather can impact drivers’ safety. In this blog, we outline what specific dangers winter weather presents to drivers in south and southeTexas, as well as how you can stay safe and avoid a winter weather car accident.
Winter Accidents: How Does Winter Weather Lead to Auto Accidents?
Winter weather poses significant challenges for drivers everywhere, often leading to an increase in auto accidents. As temperatures drop, roads become slick with ice and snow, reducing tire traction and making it harder for vehicles to stop or maneuver safely. Reduced visibility due to snow, sleet, or fog further compounds these dangers.
Even experienced winter drivers can find themselves in precarious situations when faced with sudden whiteouts or black ice. The combination of hazardous road conditions, impaired visibility, and the need for longer stopping distances creates a perfect storm for potential collisions.
Winter Weather Concerns in South and Southeast Texas
Winter in South and Southeast Texas is notably different from other parts of the state, bringing unique challenges rather than harsh storms or freezing temperatures. These regions are known for their mild winters, with daytime highs often reaching the 60s and 70s and only the occasional dip into cooler nighttime temperatures. Snow and ice are exceedingly rare, but that doesn’t mean winter passes without weather-related concerns.
One of the primary challenges in South and Southeast Texas during the winter months is heavy rainfall. These areas frequently experience wet weather, especially during prolonged rain events or shifting weather patterns. The combination of steady precipitation and humid climates can lead to slick, hazardous road conditions, even without ice or snow. Drivers in cities like Corpus Christi or Houston must remain alert, as consistently wet pavement can reduce tire traction and increase the likelihood of accidents.
Additionally, sudden downpours can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to localized flooding in some low-lying areas or streets. Regions near the Gulf Coast are particularly prone to such issues due to their proximity to water and flat terrain. For residents in these areas, staying prepared for abrupt changes in road safety is key, as even mild winters can interrupt daily routines.
11 Winter Weather Driving Tips for Texans
Consider these eleven safety tips to help you avoid winter accidents:
- Winterize your vehicle. Prepare your vehicle for the cold weather. Just like you make sure you have a winter coat and other essentials, you should make sure your car is ready for colder weather. Make sure your tires have proper tread depths and pressure. Also, equip your car with jumper cables, flashlights, and a cold-weather emergency pack containing food, water, an ice scraper, hand warmers, extra clothes, and other essentials in case you become stranded or involved in a single-vehicle accident.
- Keep your gas tank half full. Maintain your gas tank at least half full or keep your electric vehicle well-charged during winter months. This precaution ensures you have enough fuel or power to run your engine and stay warm if you become stranded in severe weather conditions.
- Slow down and obey speed limits. Always adhere to posted speed limits, and be prepared to drive even slower when roads are slippery or visibility is poor.
- Increase your following distance. Allow for greater distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you during winter weather. This extra space provides more time to react and stop safely if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes or loses control on slippery roads. While you should always keep one or two vehicles worth of space between you and other vehicles, you should increase this distance in snowy or icy conditions.
- Educate yourself on hydroplaning. You can recognize hydroplaning if your steering feels light or unresponsive, or if the car begins to drift despite your attempts to steer. To handle hydroplaning, stay calm, ease off the accelerator, and avoid slamming on the brakes. Steer gently in the direction you want to go and wait until you regain traction. Reducing your speed during wet conditions, ensuring your tires are properly inflated, and avoiding sudden movements can help minimize the risk of hydroplaning.
- Ease off the brake if your vehicle slides. If you feel your vehicle beginning to slide, resist the urge to slam on the brakes. Instead, gently ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go, allowing your tires to regain traction gradually.
- Drive defensively. Stay alert and anticipate potential hazards when driving in winter conditions. Be prepared for other drivers who may not be as cautious, and always have an escape route planned in case you need to avoid a collision.
- Avoid using cruise control. If the roads are slick, refrain from using cruise control when driving on slippery roads. Maintaining manual control of your vehicle's speed allows you to react more quickly to changing road conditions and reduces the risk of losing control on icy or snowy surfaces.
- Plan your route. Before embarking on a winter journey, research your route and check weather forecasts and road conditions. Allow extra time for your trip, and inform someone of your planned route and estimated arrival time in case of emergencies.
- Pull over if the conditions are bad. If weather conditions deteriorate to the point where you feel unsafe, find a safe place to pull over and wait for conditions to improve. It's better to arrive late than to risk an accident due to poor visibility or treacherous road conditions.
- Avoid reckless driving actions. While you should drive safely year-round, it bears repeating that you should not drive while drowsy or distracted and should make sure you are a safe driver.
Who Is Responsible for a Car Accident During Bad Weather?
Weather-related car accidents are often complex when it comes to determining responsibility. In many cases, these accidents are the result of driver negligence. Even in challenging weather conditions, drivers are expected to exercise reasonable care and adjust their driving behavior accordingly. This includes reducing speed, increasing following distance, and ensuring their vehicle is properly equipped for the conditions. When drivers fail to take these precautions, and an accident occurs, they may be held liable for the resulting damages and injuries.
Involved in a Winter Auto Accident? Contact Scott Law Firm!
At Scott Law Firm, our formidable team offers clients quality representation. While you may take the time to prepare for winter driving and exercise caution to avoid winter accidents, other drivers may not do the same.
If you or a loved one suffers injuries in a car accident this winter, you can trust us to help you in your pursuit of fair compensation. We work on a contingency basis, which means that we don’t expect you to cover our fees unless we win your case.
Get in touch with us online or via phone at (936) 243-4299 to request a free consultation.
