According to the Texas Department of Transportation, a reported motor vehicle crash occurs on Texas roads about every 56 seconds. More than 10%, nearly 60,000 crashes are due to poor weather conditions.
Rain, wind, snow, ice, sleet, fog, and more extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, tornados, flooding and electrical storms increase the risks.
Postponing driving until after a severe weather system moves through the area is advised. As extreme weather conditions are often stressful and can take longer; drivers should allow enough time to reach a destination to avoid the negative effects stress has on driving. Also, learn alternative routes to avoid possible closed roadways such as flooded farm roads or impassable bridges during bad weather.
Driving slower helps decrease skids and accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration advises drivers to reduce their speed by a third in bad weather. Driving slower also makes it easier to avoid pedestrians, animals, and other obstacles along the roadway.
Brake time is slower in bad weather so leave more room to stop. The American Auto Association recommends increasing the space between vehicles by five or six seconds during bad weather. That is double the cushion suggested during normal driving. Simply watch the vehicle in front pass a road sign or another fixed object. Count at least six seconds before passing the same object to ensure a safe driving distance.
Rain accounts for more than 85% of weather-related roadway crashes in Texas. Hydroplaning (when tires lose contact with the road), lightning flashes, high winds, decreased visibility, and rising water levels can create deadly driving conditions.
Even in daylight, use the vehicle’s headlights in rain. It helps other drivers see oncoming vehicles and increases the driver’s ability to see. Driving into puddles or lowlying areas where rainwater collects, such as dips under rail or highway bridges or near streams, can cause vehicles to hydroplane out of control.
Large vehicles can create a spray of water that can reduce nearby drivers’ visibility. Always give other vehicles plenty of room. Do not drive through flooded areas. When coming to a flooded road, turn around. Flash flooding and strong currents can happen quickly, often sweeping drivers off of roadways and into life-threatening situations. Never travel through water if the ground beneath it is not visible. Additionally, driving through deep water can damage a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems.
As storm season approaches, drivers are encouraged to be mindful of first responders, and road workers that may be on duty during storms. Limited visibility can cause issues for drivers placing lives at stake.