Winter Storm Causing Poor Driving Conditions in Central California
ABC30 Action News is covering the winter storm that is dumping rain and snow across the Central California Valley. Rocks slides, rising rivers, and dangerous traveling conditions are the result of the heavy rain and snow across our region. Tulare County saw heavy rains causing flooding concerns in Three Rivers. Caltrans assisted Tulare County first responders in responding to a rock slide that resulted in at least one car accident when a driver ran into rocks along Highway 198 near Lemon Cove Road.
Park rangers evacuated all non-essential residents of Yosemite Valley, and the Valley Floor in Yosemite National Park is completely shut down. Fears of flooding and the chance for rockslides and downed trees prompted the action. In addition, Generals Highway is closed at foothills visitor center in Sequoia National Forrest until further notice. The residents of Fresno and Clovis have seen steady rain and may continue to see additional bad weather from the winter storm.
Driving in Poor Weather Conditions
Driving in rain and snow is challenging for several reasons. In addition to losing control of your vehicle because of the poor road conditions, other drivers who do not take extra precautions to avoid car crashes in poor weather conditions pose a threat to your safety. All drivers have a duty to slow down and drive with more caution in poor weather conditions. Even though a car accident may be caused in part by snow or rain, weather conditions are not a complete defense in a car accident case.
In most instances, the driver is at fault for the car crash because he or she did something that contributed to the cause of the collision. For example, the driver may have been traveling at an unsafe speed for conditions. This doesn’t necessary mean that the driver was speeding. Speed limits are designed for perfect driving conditions. Therefore, traveling the speed limit in heavy rain may be concerned driving too fast for conditions. Another example is a driving following too closely to the vehicle in front of him or her. In poor weather conditions, it can take longer for a vehicle to come to a complete stop thereby causing a rear-end collision.
Driving Tips for Poor Weather Conditions
According to the Federal Highway Administration, 22 percent of motor vehicle crashes are weather-related. Weather-related crashes are defined as collisions that take place in adverse weather conditions such as snow, ice, rain, wind, sleet, and fog. Poor weather conditions can impact visibility, pavement friction, and traffic conditions. Understanding how to drive in poor weather conditions can reduce your risk of a weather-related accident.
Several agencies and companies provide tips for driving in snow, rain, and other poor weather conditions. For more information see:
- Caltrans’s Rainy Driving Tips
- California Highway Patrol
- California Department of Motor Vehicles
- California Office of Traffic Safety
- AAA Exchange
- Travelers
Fresno Weather-Related Accident Attorneys
If you are injured in a weather-related accident, don’t assume you are not entitled to recover compensation from the other drivers involved in the collision. Consult with the Fresno weather-related accident attorneys Torem & Associates to learn about your legal options before speaking with the insurance adjuster for the other driver.
Contact our office by calling (888) 500-5000 or by using our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Fresno weather-related accident attorney.
Source:
“Winter Storm Brings Heavy Rainfall To Central California,” ABC30 Action News, By Reuben Contreras, Vanessa Vasconcelos and Cory James, January 8, 2017
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