Most drivers are concerned with the safety of New Jersey roadways. No matter the length of your trip, safety should always be a number one priority. To know the dangers is to know how to stay safe and prepared.
In the United States, weather-related vehicle accidents factor into many of the road fatalities. In fact, about 1.2 million vehicle crashes occur every year due to the weather, explains The Weather Channel.
Over 5,000 people die every year from weather-related accidents. Do you know the major risks on roadways?
The risk of rain and ice
Rain is one of the top two contributors to weather-related crashes. Wet pavement poses a risk for a couple of different reasons. First, rain can leave the pavement slick. Second, even a drizzling of rain before subfreezing temperatures can result in an ice glaze on the roadways. Even light ice on the road creates a dangerous driving condition.
It does not have to be a major storm to make an impact. Catastrophic accidents still occur in mild icy conditions.
The danger of fog and snow
When the weather changes rapidly, you may be at risk if you are still on the road. Heavy snow, blinding rain or dense fog make it difficult for drivers to see in front of them. Did you know that one of the causes of pileups are short bursts of localized snow?
Fog related accidents can also trigger accidents. Vehicles may travel too closely to others or at speeds that are too quick for the conditions. When you lose visibility quickly, accidents are common.
