Driving in bad weather: what you need to know

The first thing you should know about driving in bad weather in Philadelphia or any other place is to be careful. Driving is hazardous in bad weather, including rain, snow, and other elements. To avoid a collision, every driver must drive with extreme caution.

Legal proceedings can be explained by a reputable legal team of Philadelphia, PA motorcycle accident attorneys. 

What does driving defensively mean?

Being cautious behind the wheel entails taking precautions to keep you, your passengers, and other road users safe. When it’s stormy outside, take these precautions:

  • ensuring that your headlights are on and operating properly
  • installing your low beams (in cold weather, low beams are best
  • removing sunglasses that will make you less visible
  • keeping my attention
  • ensuring you don’t stray from your lane
  • the four-wheel drive on your vehicle
  • Distancing yourself from the cars in front of you
  • more slowly moving (especially on wet or icy roads, you will have a more challenging time stopping, especially at high speeds).
  • driving responsibly

In the event of bad weather, who is responsible?

In both inclement and fair weather, the same liability laws are in effect. Even though the weather may have been a major factor in your accident, a driver may still be held responsible.

Think of a car that slides on an icy road as an example. Insurance firms and lawyers will take the following factors into account, even if ice or snow on the road was the direct cause of the collision:

  • Did the driver exceed the posted speed limit and then lose control of the car?
  • The driver had snow-ready tyres, were they not?
  • When the driver started to lose control of the car, did they act in a reasonable way?

You can also be held accountable for any accidents that happen as a result of improper car maintenance. A vehicle manufacturer or other party may be held responsible if a flaw in the vehicle led to the collision or contributed to it.

Make sure your car is equipped for bad weather.

The driver must maintain a secure car. This includes making plans for bad weather. You might achieve this by:

  • Make sure your tyres have enough tread for slick weather
  • If necessary, make sure your tyre chains are in working order
  • Ensuring that your headlights are effective and bright enough
  • ensuring the functionality and efficiency of your windshield wipers
  • inspecting your brakes
  • Make sure your mirrors are functional
  • Take care of any car-related issues