Redding Solo Vehicle Crash
I’m Ed Smith, a Redding car accident lawyer. A motorist lost control of their vehicle on a dangerously wet and slick roadway yesterday. Incidents like this one has prompted officials to warn the public to take extra care while driving.
What Happened?
On Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at 1:31 pm a driver lost control of their vehicle in the area of Churn Creek Road and Duncan Lane in Redding. Heavy rains have been causing difficulty for many California motorists lately. When first responders arrived on scene they discovered the vehicle had come to a stop in a nearby drainage ditch. Thankfully, the driver escaped serious injury and was transported to a nearby hospital.
Officials Urge Caution
Driving in winter weather conditions that involve strong rain and heavy wind may not seem like a big deal for many motorists, but officials are urging motorists to use extra caution. Driving in any type of inclement weather significantly increases the risk of suffering a traumatic injury or even death for you, other motorists, and pedestrians. Severe weather requires your full attention while you are behind the wheel. If it is not absolutely necessary for you to travel, stay home and wait for the storm to pass.
Driving During Heavy Wind Storms
Driving in the heavy wind may appear to me a minor risk, but this weather condition requires special caution from drivers. A strong wind can pick up just about anywhere at any time, though it is more common in open spaces. Some common areas where the wind produces higher risks include tunnels, highway overpasses, and bridges. Below, I’ll go over some high wind driving safety tips:
- Take notice of larger vehicles: Be aware of high-profile vehicles during windy weather. Tractor-trailers, vehicles towing a trailer, for example, are more susceptible to high winds and may have a harder time staying in their own lanes.
- Anticipate strong gusts: Take special caution when traveling through strong wind prone areas. Always check local weather reports before heading out to be aware of what potential weather could be headed your way.
- Always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel: Keeping both hands on the steering wheel will help you to keep control of your car. Keeping your eyes looking ahead at the roadway with both hands on the wheel will reduce the occurence of unintentional lane swerving.
Driving During Rain Storms
Heavy rain causes the potential for poor visibility and hydroplaning. Drivers should know how to react when they encounter either one of these circumstances. Hydroplaning may happen when a motorist is driving too fast for weather conditions, causing the vehicle’s tires to travel upon a thin layer of water. This makes it difficult for the vehicle to grip the surface of the road. Hydroplaning makes steering and braking very difficult and could lead to losing complete control of your vehicle and getting into an auto accident. Below are some tips for driving in the rain:
- Use your lights: Your vehicle will be visible to other motorists and you will be able to see what is in front of you better. The State of California requires the use of headlights while it is raining.
- Allow more space between vehicles: It is a good safety practice to allow more space between your car and the vehicle in front of you. This allows you an extra few seconds for reaction time in wet weather conditions.
- Slow Down: Slowing down in wet weather is the most important measure you can take to prevent your vehicle from hydroplaning. One of the most dangerous times to drive in the rain is shortly after it has started. Oils on roadways make for slick conditions.
Redding Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Redding car accident lawyer. If your or a member of your family have been injured in an automobile accident, please call me at (530) 392-9400 for free, friendly and no-obligation advice. I can also be reached toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
I have been helping Northern California residents with their personal injury and wrongful death claims for three decades.
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