Car crashes in stormy weather in Oklahoma can have devastating consequences for motorists. That said, bad weather is no excuse for negligence behind the wheel.
Most accidents that occur in bad weather conditions happen because of driver error. Links between rainy road conditions in Oklahoma and crashes may lead to liability.
Weather Conditions and Accident Risks
Oklahoma has some of the most severe weather in the United States. Due to its position in the Great Plains and Tornado Alley, Oklahoma has frequent thunderstorms and tornadoes during the warmer months and ice storms during the winter months. Unfortunately, severe weather has become more frequent in recent decades. For example, according to the National Weather Service, the past 15 years have had three of the top five years for annual totals of tornadoes. Tornado-related traffic incidents may occur when drivers attempt to outrun a tornado or if they become distracted by a tornado in the distance.
Severe weather can have an adverse effect on road safety. Ice storms and car collisions happen in concert when drivers do not take proper precautions, such as slowing down below the posted speed limit while driving on slick roads. Speed limits allow safe driving in ideal conditions. Continuing to drive at or above the speed limit on icy or slick roads increases the risk of a driver spinning out of control and colliding with other vehicles.
Driver Responsibilities in Adverse Weather Conditions
Ideally, drivers will stay off the road in severe weather conditions, allowing storms to pass and giving public officials time to clear the roads of ice or debris. However, motorists who must drive in adverse weather conditions have a responsibility to keep themselves and their fellow drivers and passengers safe. Motorists who do not adjust their driving practices in response to adverse weather may be liable if they cause a crash.
Here are some safe driving tips in severe weather to follow the next time you find yourself facing the elements:
- Reduce your speed to give yourself more time to react to emergencies. A lower speed will also improve control over your vehicle in slick conditions.
- Don’t accelerate or brake when you begin to slide or skid.
- Keep your lights on during adverse weather and the winter months, as they will make you more visible to other motorists and help you notice icy road surfaces.
- Prepare your vehicle for unexpected emergencies by equipping it with appropriate tires and checking your lights and fluids.
These are safety tips that all Oklahoma drivers should follow to avoid weather-related accidents. If they don’t and injure you in the process, you may have a claim for compensation.
Contact an Oklahoma Severe Weather Accidents Attorney Today
If you’ve been in an accident while driving in Oklahoma thunderstorms or other adverse weather conditions, you may have the right to seek financial compensation if another driver’s negligent or reckless behavior was to blame. Contact Cain Law Office today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options with our team.
