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From small bumper damage to serious accidents, drivers get into weather-related collisions every day. As a driver, it is important to take proactive measures to protect yourself in all kinds of weather. Here are some safety tips to remember this spring.

Heavy Wind

Wind can pick up suddenly and expectedly. Some cars are more prone to being pushed around by the wind, making last-second corrections extremely dangerous. Tractor-trailers are especially prone to wind pressure, so traveling next to them can also pose significant danger. Avoid driving behind or next to anything with a trailer, or that is tall and narrow. In heavy wind, reduce your speed and don’t weave in and out of traffic. Be aware of objects that may have blown loose from other vehicles, nearby parking lots, or residential yards.

Rain

Whether drizzle or downpour, spring means rain. Avoid driving when heavy rains limit your visibility, and slow down if you are caught in a sudden rainstorm. This is especially helpful at night, when rain and glare drastically affect visibility. Always turn on your headlights so you can see more clearly and so other drivers can see you. Safely turn on your radio to get accident reports and any indication of more severe weather. Approach intersections slowly and leave extra room between cars for breaking.

Severe Storms

Driving during a severe storm is dangerous. Avoid driving in a storm as much as possible, and stay informed about changing weather conditions. If you must drive, keep your headlights on, and treat malfunctioning lights as stop signs. If conditions worsen, pull over with your hazard lights on and stay in the car until the weather relents. Also, it is important that you never try to outrun a tornado. Instead, seek shelter or find a low area immediately.

Hail

Hail can harm both people and property. If you are in your vehicle when it starts to hail, stay there until it stops. Try to pull into a garage, parking structure, or underpass to protect yourself and your vehicle. When no cover is around, pull onto the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Avoid parking under trees, because falling limbs may be deadly. Check for damage after the storm and call for help if there is anything significant. Carefully clean broken glass to avoid further injury.

Flooded Streets

After a long day of rain or a fast, sudden downpour, streets and intersections may flood. Flash flooding can happen in minutes and pose serious threats to drivers. Swift moving water can carry away people and vehicles. Additionally, deep water may cause cars to lose power. Never attempt to drive through a flooded street. Instead, turn around and find an alternative route. Flooded roads may be hiding washed out areas of concrete or deep sinkholes.

If you are injured in poor driving conditions as a result of someone else’s negligence, Ohio Injury Law is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.