Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on October 27, 2015
Police Warning Drivers after Multiple Accidents on Highway 43 in Columbia
Rainy weather and water accumulating on the roadway has caused eight crashes within the past two days on a stretch of Highway 43 in Columbia, Tennessee, and the police chief is warning drivers to be extra cautious when traveling through this area.
WKRN.com reports that the eight crashes occurred in the northbound lanes of Highway 43 near Industrial Park Road, and that there have been 49 total crashes in that area since 2013. A review of police accident reports show that wet pavement and rainy weather contributed to 40 of those accidents, or 81 percent.
The Columbia police chief says that a design flaw may be partially to blame for the accidents due to a lack of traction for vehicle’s tires. The chief also stated that he alerted the Tennessee Department of Transportation about the issue, but was told that plans to fix the problem won’t begin until next spring.
Until the roadway is fixed, city officials and engineers will utilize lighted signs warning drivers about the increased risk for accidents in the area and urging them to slow down and be cautious.
Tips for Driving in Rainy Weather
If you’ve ever driven on a busy highway or interstate in Middle Tennessee during or after a rainstorm, you know that accidents are a common sight. Drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicles in rainy weather due to the reduced traction and increased braking distance that’s caused by small amounts of standing water on top of the pavement.
To reduce your risk of being involved in an accident while driving in wet weather conditions, do your best to follow these tips:
Cruise control is great for long trips on highways and interstates, but it’s not designed for use in inclement weather. Using cruise control in the rain or on slick roadways can cause your vehicle to accelerate erratically due to constantly changing road conditions, which can also cause a sudden loss of traction. The more control you have over your vehicle in rainy weather, the more you can reduce your chances of being involved in an accident.
Wet weather drastically increases the distance required to slow down or come to a complete stop. That’s why it’s vital to put extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle directly in front of you—especially on roads with high speed limits, such as highways and interstates. Tailgating or following too closely can be extremely dangerous in the rain, as you may not have enough time to slow down without colliding with the vehicle ahead of you.
Rainy weather conditions can often in vehicles hydroplaning, which can result in drivers temporarily losing control due to a layer of water on top of the pavement. If you feel your vehicle beginning to hydroplane, avoid slamming on your brakes, as this can cause your vehicle to spin-out and make it even more difficult to regain control. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and grasp the steering wheel firmly until your tires regain traction.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Nashville auto accident attorneys has helped many auto accident victims over the past 20 years, and we know that a large number of car accidents occur due to bad weather conditions. Whether they’re caused by rain, ice, snow, sleet, or fog, serious auto accidents may seem unavoidable during bad weather, but by being extra cautious, drivers can reduce their chances of being involved in accidents.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident caused by a negligent or careless driver, regardless of the weather conditions, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your accident-related expenses. To find out how our legal team can help your family get the money you deserve, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
