How Drivers Should Adjust Their Driving During Bad Weather

By Grant Law Office on October 30, 2023

Georgia’s unpredictable weather can turn a routine commute into a hazardous journey. As a result, it is crucial to exercise safe driving during bad weather and to educate yourself on how to safely operate a vehicle in treacherous conditions such as rain, snow, or fog.

Tips for Safe Driving in Bad Weather

When Mother Nature unleashes her fury, drivers must adapt to the challenging conditions. Here are five essential tips to ensure your safety:

• Reduce your speed: Slow down to maintain better control of your vehicle. Speeding in bad weather significantly increases the risk of accidents.
• Maintain a safe following distance: Increase your following distance to at least three seconds, allowing more time to react if the car in front suddenly stops.
• Use headlights and windshield wipers: Visibility is often compromised in bad weather. Always use your headlights and windshield wipers to enhance your visibility and alert other drivers to your presence.
• Handle slippery road surfaces: Rain and snow create slippery roads. Avoid sudden movements, such as sharp turns or abrupt braking. Instead, make gradual adjustments to your speed and direction.
• Address reduced visibility: In fog or heavy rain, visibility can drop to dangerous levels. Use fog lights if available, and avoid high beams, as they can scatter light and make visibility worse.

Legal Implications of Negligent Driving in Bad Weather

There are two sections that speak to the legal implications of negligent driving during adverse weather conditions.

First, Section 40-6-180 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (“OCGA”) requires drivers to operate their vehicles at reasonable and safe speeds, considering the specific conditions and potential hazards present at the time. In essence, this law requires drivers to exercise caution and reduce their speed when faced with adverse weather conditions to ensure safety on the road.

Furthermore, OCGA Section 40-6-183 allows local authorities to set lower speed limits if they determine, through engineering and traffic investigations, that the existing speed limit is unsafe given the conditions of a particular road or highway segment. This empowers local authorities to consider weather-related factors and lower speed limits to improve road safety during adverse weather.

These legal provisions aim to ensure the safety of all road users during inclement weather, underscoring the duty of care that drivers must uphold when adverse conditions prevail.

Actions To Take After an Accident in Bad Weather

Accidents can happen even when you’re driving safely in bad weather. If you find yourself in such a situation, follow these steps:

• Ensure safety and call for help: First and foremost, prioritize safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safer location, such as the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking lot, to prevent further accidents. Bad weather can increase the risk of more accidents, so swift action is essential.
• Check for injuries: After ensuring your safety, check on the well-being of all parties involved in the accident. If anyone is injured, call for medical help immediately.
• Document the scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries. Exchange information with the other driver and gather witness statements if possible.
• Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to consult a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but may significantly worsen if left untreated.

If someone’s unsafe driving in poor weather conditions has caused you harm, you have legal options.  Your personal injury lawyer can tell you if you have a case and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Atlanta Car Crash Lawyers You Can Trust After an Accident

Don’t let reckless drivers rain on your parade. Grant Law Office represents clients in Atlanta weather-related car accident cases, and we’re here to help you seek justice and compensation.

Remember, when the skies are gray, your legal path to compensation doesn’t have to be. Our Atlanta attorneys are here to guide you through the storm.

Call our Atlanta car accident lawyers today at (404) 995-3955 for a free consultation.