Colorado Springs’ four distinct seasons are one of the city’s most appealing features. Even long-time Colorado Springs residents may be caught off guard by sudden changes in the weather that occur with the shifting seasons.

A costly automobile accident or perhaps a life-threatening catastrophe might come from this. Drivers must keep weather conditions in mind while preparing for a road trip.

Car accident lawyers have handled many cases involving adverse weather, and we have a lot of knowledge in this area. We’ve put up the following guide to assist those who have been injured in a severe weather-related accident in better understanding their choices.

Many Colorado Springs drivers who are involved in a car accident because of inclement weather believe they are victims of circumstances beyond their control and are unaware of their legal rights.

A member of The Flood Law Firm’s legal team would be happy to speak with you if you’ve been injured in an accident due to inclement weather.

“Weather for Car Accidents”

When the weather in Colorado Springs is terrible, it may have a considerable influence on traffic and road conditions, resulting in weather-related accidents. Your vehicle accident claim may be affected by weather, but how? Generally speaking, the answer is yes, but there are a few considerations to consider.

It goes without saying that once you get behind the wheel, you should exercise extreme caution and focus. When there is a severe weather threat, it is necessary to exercise extreme care.

According to the US Department of Transportation, there are more than 1,200,000 weather-related automobile accidents annually.

Weather-Related Crashes

In the United States, inclement weather is among the top ten most common causes of vehicle accidents. Snow, rain, or fog make it impossible for you to see over your vehicle’s hood, and this is more than simply a natural limitation on your ability to drive.

According to research, anxieties for one’s safety have been demonstrated to impair response speed and mental clarity at crucial moments (similar to instances of distracted driving).

Fog, snow, and rain are common causes of poor weather accidents in Colorado Springs’s environment. As a result, although many inhabitants of Colorado Springs are familiar with taking appropriate measures during severe weather, a single lapse in focus or an inevitable slide can produce a significant disaster on the road.

An automobile collision is more likely to occur when the weather is unfavorable. In addition to impairing your vehicle’s performance, weather conditions including fog, rain, sleet, snow, and ice also reduce visibility.

In the winter, snow may obscure road markings, while icy spots can throw your car off balance and cause it to skid. Drivers risk being blown off course by strong winds or colliding with falling debris. A lovely fall in Colorado Springs might lead to accidents because of the slippery heaps of leaves scattered over the street.

Even if you are an exceptional driver, a weather-related automobile accident might still occur if another motorist is less prepared or careful than you are. When the weather is severe, driving safely is crucial, which means using a car with good traction control and staying at a slower pace.

The only thing worse than getting involved in an accident due to poor weather conditions is being held responsible because you failed to take the required safeguards.

The best course of action is to avoid driving in poor weather. In Colorado Springs, however, this is not always the case. If you have to drive in the fall and winter, it’s a good idea to start practicing your poor weather driving abilities as soon as the weather gets chilly.

Even seasoned Colorado Springs drivers may benefit from some wet and slick driving practice, even if they’ve lived through many years of uncertain weather. In the event of an emergency on your everyday journey, these drills will be invaluable. When driving, your instincts and habits might save your own life and those of others on the road.

To avoid slipping into a skid, avoid applying the parking brake when it’s cold or snowing and increase your following distance to 8 to 10 seconds behind the automobile in front of you; here are some other crucial bad weather driving tips:

Preventing poor weather accidents with these easy steps might save money and annoyance, but it could also save your life.

Weather-related causes of car accidents

Weather-related car accidents may be especially problematic. So how can a single motorist be held responsible when Mother Nature is the major cause of the accident?

However, several elements in adverse weather incidents might help you prove your case.

The state of the road where the accident occurred is the first item to look into. A combination of poor road maintenance and inclement weather may lead to fatal car accidents. If your severe weather automobile accident happened on a windy or hilly route in Colorado Springs, this might be a key issue in your case.

This is even more critical if the road’s surface is in poor condition or the signage is unclear. Bad weather exacerbates the risks of driving in Colorado Springs, where potholes, missing guardrails, and unmarked work zones are common occurrences.

If your accident was caused by inadequate road maintenance, the court and your insurance company should be aware of this information before assessing who is responsible.

Any automobile accident’s responsibility is ultimately assessed by whether or not “reasonable action” was taken by the driver. You don’t have to be held responsible if you can show that you are driving only seconds before your accident was appropriate given the circumstances.

Remember that even if the road conditions are bad, other drivers may still be held liable for their actions (for instance, if they disregard road rules or were drunk driving).

Accident Statistics Caused by the Weather

Even though accidents occur throughout the year, some months are more dangerous on the roads, resulting in a greater number of collisions.

Bad weather is to blame for a significant number of car accidents.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, ice and snow on the roadways may cause the following kinds of accidents:

On average, more than five inches of snow falls on more than 70 percent of the nation’s highways yearly.

• These snowy areas are home to over 70% of the US population.
• Snowy, slushy, or icy roads cause more than 1,300 deaths and 116,800 injuries yearly.
• Every year, snow and sleet storms cause over 900 deaths and 76,000 injuries in car accidents.
• When it’s raining, snow, or sleeting, 24% of weather-related car collisions occur, with another 15% happening when it’s snowing or sleeting.
• Freeway speeds are lowered by 3 to 13% in light snowfall and 5 to 40% in severe snowfall.
• Snow, sleet, and slush may reduce non-highway road speeds by 30 to 40 percent.
• Winter and spring road repair account for roughly 20 percent of the state Department of Transportation maintenance funding.

Generally, take extra care on the roads during “poor weather” months. Follow local news for weather and travel updates when conditions are extremely hazardous, and abide by any travel restrictions that may be in place.

The Different Types of Stormy Weather

In the minds of the majority of motorists, winter means snow. However, severe weather is not limited to snow. Bad weather in Colorado Springs may take on a variety of forms.

Rain

Rain in all forms, from drizzles to moderate rain to torrential downpours, may be hazardous. Driving in freezing rain may be dangerous since the road’s ice makes them more than simply slick.

Ice that has become black

Ice that occurs when rain or snow runoff freezes on the pavement are “black ice.” A lack of drainage on the road may cause black ice, which is difficult to see and can also occur if the road is not properly planned or maintained.

In particular, it is dangerous near bridges and overpasses when temperatures fall more quickly. Because the ice isn’t always visible, drivers should slow down and stay far below the posted speed limit. Make careful to check your tire tread for grip, slow down, and always use your headlights if you’re traveling in an area where black ice is possible.

Winds were blustery.

Driving a car in a windy environment may make it difficult to maintain control, and the vehicle will likely roll over. Conditions might be deadly if this is combined with precipitation such as rain, snow, or sleet.

Sleet, wind chill, and temperatures below freezing are more weather conditions to look for. It’s possible to die if your car breaks down and you’re left outside.

What to Do in the Event of Extreme Weather

It is possible to avert the majority of automobile accidents. Make sure you are doing your bit to help promote road safety, even if there are conditions that can’t always be avoided

When the weather is exceptionally hazardous, keep these suggestions in mind:

Avoid Operating a Motor Vehicle

Consider where you’re going and whether or not you need to go. Talk to your manager about alternate options if you have to go to work.

Stay off the road by telephone or email if you don’t have to. If you are already on the road and a storm approaches, you can pull over to a safe spot.

Replace Your Worn-Out Tires

Ensure your car is equipped with the proper tire chains or snow tires, even if it requires some forethought. If you drive a lot in the winter or have a lengthy commute, you may want to consider getting new tires, depending on where you live.

Expand Your Audience’s Awareness

You’ll need to be as aware as possible on the road in poor weather to be safe. As a result, growing your online presence is critical. Ensure all of your windows and the windshield are free of snow and that your wipers are in excellent working order. Keep an ice scraper and windshield wiper fluid in your car, and never leave home without them.

Slow Yourself Down

Even if you’re going the speed limit, slow down if the weather is terrible. Pulling over is an option if you begin skid, but hitting your brakes is not.

Keep Your Head in the Game

Driving in dangerous conditions may be frightening. It’s easy to lose your cool when faced with a crisis, but maintaining your composure is key to making sound judgments.

Attn: Colorado Springs Lawyers

As a result of an automobile accident, The Flood Law Firm is here to help you and your family. When it comes to weather-related automobile accidents, no two are the same. Having a skilled Colorado Springs automobile accident lawyer on your side is vital.

Our lawyers have the expertise and experience necessary to evaluate your situation and assist you in moving on with your life. No matter if your insurance company is being uncooperative or if you are having difficulty determining who is to blame for the accident, our firm can provide you with professional advice.

Call us at 719-300-1100 for a free consultation.

Tips for avoiding a car accident in the winter.

Many drivers are wounded and even killed in winter accidents every year. Weather conditions like snow, rain, strong winds and freezing pavement increase the possibility of accidents and injury.

Some of the main dangers of winter accidents may be avoided if drivers are aware of them and take the proper measures.

Seasonal Driving Tips for Colorado Springs Residents to Prevent Winter Accidents

Even though we’re all aware that driving on snow may be hazardous, many of us neglect to take into account other potential dangers that may be present. According to the Federal Highway Administration, various weather-related occurrences might raise the likelihood of a Colorado Springs vehicle collision. The following are some of the winter-related risks:

Drivers’ visibility is affected by the speed of the wind, which impacts the distance they can see. Snow and dust may reduce vision and make it more difficult for drivers to see potential dangers in their route during the winter months. When wind speeds are high enough, debris may be blown onto highways, creating traffic congestion. Because the motorist may not be able to notice debris that has been blown onto the road, they may not be able to move out of the way in time, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Fog-related reduced visibility: Driving in fog is more dangerous since drivers cannot detect potential road hazards.

A driver’s tire pressure is affected by the temperature of the roadway. Hence drivers must check their tire pressure before driving. The risk of a blowout, which might result in a loss of control, will be reduced.

Rain or melting snow may cause roads to become inundated, posing a major danger to drivers who lose control of their vehicles when they become stuck.

More than 5.8 million car accidents occur annually in the United States. There are about 1.3 million weather-related accidents in the United States each year. Most of these mishaps are caused by slick roads. Seventy-four percent of all weather-related accidents occur on iced or wet pavement. Almost half of all incidents occur when it rains.

Drivers may lessen their chances of being involved in a winter collision by following safety best practices, such as knowing how to drive safely in snow and ice. Driving in windy and foggy conditions is a skill that all drivers must learn.

They should go even slower than the stated speed limit when traveling in bad weather. When driving in foggy conditions, they should use their fog lights and low beams. Following these basic guidelines may help keep drivers safe even in inclement weather.

7 Ways to Stay Safe in the Winter Accidents on the roads in Colorado Springs

In addition to Christmas lights and gift-giving, it’s also time to brace yourself for the notorious Colorado Springs winter.

As the temperature drops, the number of car accidents goes up, which is not unexpected. A Colorado Springs automobile accident lawyer may assist you if you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by inclement weather.

The cost of medical care after a vehicle accident might be prohibitive, but you may be able to recover some of those expenses via a personal injury lawsuit. Stay safe on Colorado Springs’s snowy roads by following these pointers.

Keeping Your Eyes on the Road is Essential.

When driving in icy or snowy conditions, you must focus on the road. Distracting gadgets, such as mobile phones, should be set aside, and the driver’s attention should be focused only on the road ahead.

Slow Yourself Down

When the roads are ice, the stopping distance is drastically reduced. Maintaining control of your vehicle on the ice is easier when you drive at a slower speed.

Be Wary of Other Drivers’ Vehicles

Take double the customary gap between you and the automobile in front of you. If you’re on a multi-lane road in Colorado Springs, steer clear of the traffic in front of you. Strong gusts and ice may force a car to slip over the dividing line.

Headlights should always be on.

The brighter your automobile’s headlights, the more visible you are to other drivers. Snow adds an extra layer of difficulty.

Keep an eye on the clock and know when not to get behind the wheel.

Driving in Colorado Springs’s winter weather may be risky. To prevent an accident, know when it is preferable to stay home and wait it out. Find a safe spot to stop and wait out the storm if visibility is impaired and if ice and wind are causing you to lose control of your vehicle.

Prepare Your Car for the Cold Season

It’s necessary to have snow tires and special windshield wipers, but you also need to prepare your vehicle in case you become trapped. If you become caught in a snowbank, a little shovel, a small bag of ice, a few bottles of water, and a few candy bars will all be useful.

Learn to Stay on Your Feet and Not Fall Off

Refrain from using the brakes as soon as you see your vehicle slipping into an icy area. After letting off the throttle and shifting into neutral, slowly touch the brake pedal in the direction you want to go to avoid a skid.