Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on February 1, 2016
Severe Storms Could Create Hazardous Road Conditions on Tuesday
After getting blasted by a severe winter storm less than two weeks ago, the Middle Tennessee area could receive more severe weather on Tuesday—this time in the form of heavy rain and powerful winds.
According to reports by wkrn.com and the Tennessean, the storm is expected to hit the Nashville area on Tuesday afternoon and last through Tuesday night. A meteorologist with the National Weather Service told reporters that the storm will be in the mid-state region between 6 p.m. and midnight on Tuesday, with the primary threat being winds.
The storm will hit Clarksville between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. and Cookeville between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
In addition to strong winds and heavy rainfall, the cold front moving into the air could also create atmospheric conditions that are favorable for the formation of funnel clouds and tornadoes.
How Can You Stay Safe while Driving in Severe Weather?
Although drivers in Middle Tennessee won’t have to deal with large accumulations of snow and ice on the roadways tomorrow, the conditions could be just as dangerous as the winter storm that hit the area several days ago. Strong winds and heavy rainfall can make even routine trips and commutes challenging and dangerous for even the most experienced drivers.
To reduce your risk of being involved in an accident while driving in a thunderstorm or during a threat of severe weather, do your best to follow these tips:
Driving during a heavy rainstorm is only possible with the use of windshield wipers that are capable of removing rain from your windshield. Without them, it’s difficult or even impossible to see where you’re going. Many drivers may be unaware of the effectiveness—or lack thereof—of their windshield wipers. If your windshield wipers leave large amounts of water on your windows or aren’t effective at keeping them clear, get them replaced as soon as possible.
Roads can become slick and dangerous almost immediately after a rainstorm begins. In the initial minutes of a rainstorm, water can mix with small amounts of oil on the roadway and create dangerous spots where your tires may lose traction. As the rainfall accumulates, large puddles may form which can make it even more difficult for your tires to grip the roadway. Reducing your speed both reduces your risk of losing control of your vehicle and gives you more time to slow down or stop.
Poor visibility is a major issue for drivers during thunderstorms. Dark skies and heavy rainfall can make it extremely difficult to see the road ahead. Turning on your headlights during rainstorms that occur at daylight can significantly improve your visibility. In addition to making it easier for you to see where you’re going, turning your headlights on also makes it far easier for other drivers to see your vehicle. Many accidents during times of poor visibility occur because drivers are unable to see other cars on the road.
Safe driving requires good judgment, cautious decision making, and uninterrupted focus on the road—even when conditions outside are perfect. So when road conditions are less than ideal, doing everything in your power to follow the tips listed above is essential for reducing your risks of being involved in a serious accident.
The Nashville auto accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law know that countless car crashes occur in Middle Tennessee every time severe weather hits the area—especially on highways and interstates with heavy traffic volume. If you or someone you love was injured in an auto accident during hazardous conditions that was caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation for your accident-related expenses, including your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and more.
To find out how our legal team can use its 20 years of experience to assist your family during this time, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
