Reducing Miami Car Accident Risks During Active Hurricane Season
Tropical storms are common in Miami throughout the summer months, with the chances for more severe weather increasing towards the end of the season and into early fall. Hurricane conditions can make roads hazardous and increase the risks of car accidents. Find out more about common hazards drivers are likely to face and steps you can take to protect yourself.
Common Driving Hazards During Hurricane Season
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently issued an updated hurricane forecast. On August 10, 2023 stated that rather than expecting a near-normal level of hurricane activity, residents along the coast should expect an above-normal number of storms throughout the remainder of the month and into September and October.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, but late summer and early fall typically see the most activity. Residents in Miami are well-aware of the risks, but may downplay potential hazards on the road. However, the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) warns that weather plays a major contributing role in more than 20 percent of the estimated six million car accidents that happen throughout the country each year. Of all weather conditions, rain poses the greatest risks. Impacts it can have on drivers include:
- Wet, rainy conditions may it more difficult to see and increases the amount of glare from other vehicles;
- Water pooled on the road can make roads slick and can cause vehicles to hydroplane, resulting in a loss of control;
- Even light rain makes steering more difficult and decreases tire traction, increasing the amount of space needed when making stops.
Protecting Yourself On The Road During Hurricane Season
Miami residents are used to an increased risk of hurricane conditions during the late summer and early months. Unfortunately, this can cause them to downplay the potential hazards, particularly when it comes to driving. It is important to be aware of how adverse weather could increase car accident risks. Steps all motorists should take to protect themselves include:
- Pay attention to the weather and remain alert for storms in the forecasts;
- Be aware of evacuation plans for your area, just in case;
- Review routes you travel frequently, noting roads or bridges that frequently get washed out;
- Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and keep a full tank of gas at all times;
- When driving in wet weather, be aware of how it impacts tire traction and adjust your speed;
- Give other drivers plenty of room on the road and avoid tailgating and cutting other motorists off in traffic;
- Avoid driving, if possible, when heavy rain is forecasted;
- If you must go out, watch for road closures;
- Avoid driving through puddles, as it is impossible to accurately estimate depth.
Contact Our Miami Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love is injured in a car accident in Miami, contact Pita Weber Del Prado for trusted legal guidance in filing a claim. Call 305-670-2889 or submit an online request to schedule a consultation with our Miami car accident lawyer.
https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm
