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INCLEMENT WEATHER & CAR CRASHES

Instead of chirping birds and warm sunlight, the past few State College mornings have greeted us with thick fog and heavy rainfall. This type of weather makes it generally more difficult to go about your day; I find it harder to get out of bed, run errands, and get things done around the house. Did you know that rainfall and fog also make it more difficult (and more dangerous) to drive?

Driving in Rain & Fog

Fog is a dangerous driving condition as it hampers your ability to see long distance and properly gauge your speed. The water in fog reflects light back to the driver from your headlights; reducing their effectiveness and your ability to see even close proximity. Similarly, rain darkens roadway lighting, results in poor visibility, and carries with it the risk of hydroplaning.

If you have driven in fog and rain before, you know the risks; however, you may not know exactly how risky these driving conditions are. According to a study by the Department of Transportation, fog alone is to blame for nearly 30,000 crashes annually. The same study ranks rain as the deadliest driving hazard; 73% of weather related crashes, 80% of weather related injuries, and 77% of weather related fatalities are caused by wet pavement. For comparison, icy pavement accounts for only 13% of weather related crashes.

Prevention & Action

In rainfall and fog, it is important to be an observant driver. You must concentrate, drive at or below the speed limit, keep distance between yourself and other drivers, avoid flooded areas, and use the proper headlight setting. Sometimes, care and precaution is not enough. Accidents do happen; be aware that accidents happen far more frequently in inclement weather.

If you are involved in an accident, the first thing that you should do is check on the safety of all passengers in your car and the other car involved. If anyone appears injured, call 911 immediately and report an emergency. If not, exchange insurance information with the other driver. Take pictures of the car accident and any possible damages to both vehicles. Then, contact the police to report the accident. It is extremely important to stay on the scene until the police inform you that it is okay for you to leave.

After that, call the attorneys at Rehmeyer & Allatt. We can help you navigate the process of receiving compensation for your damages or for any damages you may have caused. 814-343-0453

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