A car accident can happen at anytime of the year, and each season brings with it weather dangerous. Prepare for driver regardless of what mother nature is doing, and consider the risks presented by the following seasons:
Winter
Kansas City weather is as fickle as it gets. Driving in Kansas City all four seasons is no small feat. Most drivers understand the danger of snow on the roads. Winter roads are dangerous and the city does its best to counter winter weather driving hazards. However, the ever-changing Kansas City weather can cause potential driving hazards all year round.
Spring
Spring brings rain, flowers and, of course, daylight savings time. We “spring forward” each March. Most drivers would not connect the unfortunate loss of an hour of Sunday morning sleep to driving dangers. Losing sleep reduces alertness, concentration, and reaction time. Nodding off at the wheel is one of the leading causes of road fatalities nationwide. Beyond the lack of sleep, the sun pops up earlier in the Spring. Anyone who’s driven on 435E at sunrise knows the glare from the sun can be blinding. Sunglasses can be a necessary item to have in your car to ensure you are driving safely.
Summer
Summer brings rains and lots of it. A lot of rain leads to an increase of hydroplaning. The term “hydroplaning” is commonly used to refer to the skidding or sliding of a car’s tires across a wet surface. Water pressure in the front of the wheel pushes water under the tire, and the tire is then separated from the road surface by a thin film of water and loses traction. The result is loss of steering, braking and power control. To avoid hydroplaning keep your tires inflated, slow down when roads are wet, and avoid braking hard.
Fall
Anyone who has lived in Kansas City for a while knows mother nature gets confused sometimes. One day it will be 75 degrees and the next it will be snowing. The most dangerous weather for road conditions occurs between freezing and nonfreezing temperatures, when black ice is most likely to form. When the weather is below freezing but the ground is still warm (which occurs in fall), black ice is the largest threat to drivers.
Driving With Caution Year-Round
No matter the season, always drive with caution. Remember, snow is not the only danger caused by weather. Also, even if you have been in an accident due to certain weather condition, this does not mean you are not entitled to fair compensation for your injuries or other damages. Following a wreck, contact an experienced car accident attorney today to help you figure out your options. Contact a Kansas City, Missouri, car accident attorney at the Krause & Kinsman Law Firm today for a free consultation.
