Weather-Related Car Accidents in Northern Arizona Leave 6 People Injured
While Arizona is known for its single-digit rainy days every year, a few hours north of the valley there is a different story. Northern Arizona experiences all the seasons, which is great for skiers but for drivers, it can be a very unpredictable and dangerous situation, leading to risks of deadly accidents.
This week in northern Arizona, there were some strong storms, which brought sudden heavy hail down across the Flagstaff and Williams areas. Three roll-over accidents were reported and 6 other cars slid off highway I-40 (Associated Press via AZ Central 10/21/10). One of the roll-over accidents involved 2 individuals suffering serious injuries, with one of them having been ejected from the truck. A different roll-over left 4 people with minor injuries. No fatalities have been reported yet.
When a sudden storm dumps gallons of rain or hail on the highway, there are certain precautions drivers should take.
1. Always keep extra space between you and the car in front of you. The first few minutes of rain are the most dangerous because it draws out the oil to the surface on the streets. The oil can create a slick surface, causing your car to take longer to stop.
2. Always turn on your headlights if your wipers are on. This is a simple rule we were taught in driving school, but it has more practical applications. If your wipers are on, they cross your line of vision every few seconds, which makes it more difficult to see oncoming cars. Having your headlights on makes you more visible.
3. If you start to hydroplane or glide on the road during or after a rain storm, don’t panic. Start braking slowly and avoid turning the steering wheel. To prevent the situation, take turns slowly, keep within or below the speed limit in poor driving conditions, and maintain your vehicle’s tires.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, we may be able to help. We have been helping those who have been hurt due to the negligence of another for over 15 years. Call us today for a free consultation at (602) 267-1280.
