DANGERS > WEATHER
Weather
🛈 Info:
Question:
🛈 Statistics on weather related accidents
Rain: Rain is the most common weather-related cause of accidents, accounting for approximately 73% of all weather-related accidents. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), rain is a factor in approximately 1.2 million crashes each year, resulting in approximately 5,700 fatalities and 570,000 injuries. Snow and ice: Snow and ice are also significant factors in weather-related accidents. According to the FHWA, snow and ice contribute to approximately 188,000 crashes each year, resulting in approximately 1,800 fatalities and 150,000 injuries. Fog: Fog can significantly reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents. According to the FHWA, fog is a factor in approximately 28,000 crashes each year, resulting in approximately 550 fatalities and 11,000 injuries. Wind: Strong winds can also impact road safety, particularly for high-profile vehicles such as trucks and buses. According to the NHTSA, wind is a factor in approximately 16,000 crashes each year, resulting in approximately 50 fatalities and 6,000 injuries.
🛈 How weather affects traffic
Rain: Rainy conditions can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, leading to decreased traction and longer stopping distances. This can increase the likelihood of accidents and result in slower traffic speeds. Heavy rainfall may also lead to poor drainage and flooding, causing road closures and diversions. Snow and Ice: Snow and ice can create hazardous driving conditions. Roads become slippery, reducing tire grip and making it challenging to control vehicles. Snow accumulation can lead to reduced lane capacity, narrower driving lanes, and limited visibility. These conditions often result in slower traffic flow, increased congestion, and an increased risk of accidents. Fog: Dense fog can severely limit visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, road signs, and hazards in their path. Fog can lead to reduced speeds and increase the chances of rear-end collisions or other accidents. It may also result in traffic congestion as drivers navigate cautiously through reduced visibility areas. Wind: Strong winds can affect high-profile vehicles such as trucks, buses, and trailers, causing instability and making it challenging to maintain control. Wind gusts can push vehicles off course, posing a risk to both the driver and other road users. In extreme cases, severe windstorms may result in road closures or restrictions. Extreme Heat: High temperatures can cause issues with road surfaces, such as pavement expansion, leading to cracks and potholes. This can result in lane closures, slower speeds, and increased traffic congestion as maintenance crews address road damage. Extreme heat can also put a strain on vehicle systems, leading to breakdowns and traffic disruptions. Severe Weather Events: Severe weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe thunderstorms can cause widespread disruption to traffic. Road closures, detours, and evacuations may be necessary for public safety. These events can lead to significant congestion, long travel delays, and increased risks on the roads.
? Is a car safe during lightning?
Stay inside the car: Avoid getting out of the car during a lightning storm. Being inside the vehicle provides a layer of protection. Avoid contact with metal: Do not touch any metal parts inside the car, such as the doors, steering wheel, or radio, as these may conduct electricity if the car is struck by lightning. Roll up the windows: Keep the windows completely closed to prevent lightning from entering the vehicle. Also, avoid using any electronic devices or touching metal objects that may be in contact with the windows. Avoid contact with external objects: Stay away from any external parts of the car that may be conductive, such as the antenna or metal racks on the roof. Don't park under tall objects: If possible, avoid parking the car under or near tall objects, such as trees or power lines, as these can increase the risk of a lightning strike.