All winter, we look forward to the warm weather and sunshine that spring and summer bring. We all want to get back in the outdoors as soon as possible.
However, the next few months not only bring warmer weather, but also severe weather.
Tornadoes might be rare here in Lehigh Valley, but the entire country has been experiencing an unusual number of them lately. And we are also no stranger to severe thunderstorms. Any kind of wet weather might be dreary, but it can also make the roads–and reckless drivers–even more dangerous.
Even light rain can cause significant accidents
It is easy to believe that pouring rain poses a danger to Allentown drivers. Streaming water down the windshield and heavy sheets of rain can significantly reduce visibility, and wet roads can cause tires to slip.
However, according to the Allentown Morning Call, a new study found that even light rain increases the chance of a motor vehicle accident by 27%. And that percentage only increases as the weather worsens.
What if the weather gets really bad?
It is critical for drivers to take great care behind the wheel in any kind of weather. The best piece of advice–especially as the season of severe weather comes upon us–is to avoid driving in it at all.
But that is not always possible. We cannot control the weather, and we might not be able to avoid driving in bad storms.
If drivers run into severe weather on the roads, here are some crucial tips they should consider:
- Tune the radio to the news: It is critical that drivers never get distracted behind the wheel. However, it is helpful to find a news station on the radio to hear updates about traffic and the storm.
- Do not wait out the storm: This may seem tempting, especially when visibility is low. But being in a vehicle is one of the most dangerous places to be during a storm. Other drivers may not be able to see individuals stopped on the side of the road, even with hazards flashing. Waiting also puts drivers at more risk if there are strong winds or flash floods.
- However, find shelter: Drivers should not wait out storms inside their cars, but it might be wise to drive to the closest shelter until the storm passes or it is safer to drive. Motorists should make sure to drive defensively if they must drive in severe weather, to protect themselves from other drivers.
Severe weather increases the chance of accidents, especially rollovers. And following these tips could not only help drivers avoid inclement weather, but also avoid reckless drivers in already dangerous situations.
