Although spring is often associated with renewed life, the transition from winter to spring causes a shift in weather and temperature that can lead to hazardous driving conditions. This article discusses how to avoid dangerous driving conditions associated with oncoming spring weather.
Black Ice
At the tail end of the winter season, daytime temperatures increase while evening temperatures sometimes remain at or below freezing point. When this occurs, areas where snow accumulates will develop patches of black ice. Black ice forms when the snow melts during in the daytime and then freezes at night. A thin, smooth, and transparent layer of ice forms as a result of this phenomenon.
Black ice looks like wet asphalt or small pools of water. However, one should be careful when approaching an area of the road that appears to be wet. Icy roads are more slippery than merely wet roads. Because solid ice will prevent a car’s tires from making contact with the asphalt, the risk of losing control of a vehicle increases dramatically.
In order to avoid losing control when encountering black ice, drivers should always mind their speed when approaching roads that appear wet. If you start to lose control of your car, make small and deliberate steering and speed corrections. Exaggerated and sudden corrections can cause a vehicle to further veer out of control, leading to a devastating accident.
Hydroplaning
As spring weather begins to dominate over winter conditions, rainfall can become more frequent. When that happens, parts of the road become flooded. When the road is completely submerged by a layer of water, the risk of hydroplaning increases. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water prevents a car’s tires from contacting the asphalt. Hydroplaning usually involves a vehicle traveling at high speeds. The surface tension of the water prevents the high-speed automobile’s tires from sinking through the water to the ground, causing the car to lose control.
Poor Visibility
Spring weather sometimes involves heavy rains. If you are caught driving during a time of torrential downpour, your ability to see through your windshield becomes significantly impaired. Furthermore strong winds can cause powerful dust storms. Naturally, driving in conditions of low visibility increases the risk of getting into a car accident.
Ask Our Hoyt & Blewett PLLC Auto Accident Attorneys in Montana
If you happened to sustain an injury despite taking reasonable steps to avoid hazards, you might be entitled to a legal remedy. When another person wrongfully or negligently caused your injury, they are liable to pay for your damages. To get a better sense of your legal rights and options, you should consult an experienced Montana auto accident attorney for legal advice. At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, our award-winning team of lawyers is dedicated to providing you with personalized legal representation with a focus on the particular circumstances that are unique to your case.
Call us at (406) 233-1302 or contact us online to consult with one of our experienced attorneys today.