When winter weather hits Roswell and the rest of Georgia, road conditions can go from normal to extremely hazardous if those in the city are not prepared and careful. Few residents can forget what’s become known as the Atlanta Snowmageddon of 2014 where over a million people were trapped on the snowy highways.
When other drivers fail to adjust to changing conditions, accidents can easily happen. If you were injured in a collision because of another Roswell driver’s failure to heed changing weather or road conditions, it’s time to speak with an experienced lawyer for help.
At John Foy & Associates, we have 20 plus years of experience helping injured drivers win compensation for their damages. We’d love to give you a FREE consultation to discuss the details of your case and how we can assist you. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with your FREE consultation today.
Type of Hazardous Weather or Road Conditions
Drivers in Roswell should always be diligent on the road, and that includes being aware of any road conditions that change or worsen. Although the posted speed limit and other traffic rules apply when conditions are “normal,” drivers should know how to adjust to less-safe roads.
Dangerous road conditions that may occur at any time in Roswell include:
- Work zones
- Ice patches
- Fallen trees or utility poles
- Shoulder drop-offs and
- Potholes
- Poorly-painted lines or missing signs
Certain types of weather can really impact the safety of driving conditions, as well. Changing weather conditions that can affect driving include:
- Rain, snow, or ice
- Fog
- Reduced traction
- Sun glare
- Dust and
- Any other weather conditions that provide low visibility
Drivers in Roswell have a duty of care to drive safely and not put themselves or other drivers in harm’s way. That includes knowing the laws on changing weather or road conditions and following those laws.
Get the strong arm
Roswell Traffic Laws for Changing Weather or Road Conditions
According to general guidelines from the Georgia Driver’s Manual provided by the Department of Driver Services (DDS), traffic laws are unable to regulate every driving situation. Drivers have a responsibility to evaluate the situation when driving and determine whether or not certain changes need to be implemented to stay safe.
Here are some guidelines to know when it comes to weather or road condition changes in Roswell.
Winter Driving Guidelines
The weather in Georgia is generally pretty mild, which you would think means traffic conditions are fairly stable. However, since Georgians rarely have experience driving in inclement weather, they are actually more likely to get into accidents if they don’t drive safely when winter weather hits.
Suggestions for driving in changing winter weather conditions include:
- Reducing speed according to current conditions
- Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles
- Utilizing snow tires or chains to provide extra traction
- Testing brakes and other vehicle functions when first entering the roadway
- Avoiding any sudden braking or swerving
- Watching for further changing conditions or hazards ahead and
- Removing ice or snow from all windows before driving
Foggy Weather Guidelines
Fog can greatly affect driving conditions. If you can, it’s best to completely avoid driving in a heavy fog. Otherwise, the following guidelines apply in foggy weather:
- Reducing speed
- Dimming headlights
- Not using bright lights or hazard lights
- Slowing down when you see other vehicles’ headlights or tail lights
Preventing Hydroplaning
When a roadway has standing water from rain, melted ice or snow, or other conditions, hydroplaning can occur at speeds over 35 miles per hour. Hydroplaning happens when your tires can no longer channel water away and they lose contact with the road. As a result, your vehicle can skid over the water and may even lose contact with the road completely.
If a driver’s vehicle hydroplanes, they should take your foot off the accelerator and allow the car to slow. To prevent hydroplaning at all, drivers should slow down when there is water on the road and also maintain their tires.
Responding to Skidding
When tires can no longer grip the surface of the road, the vehicle can skid when a driver brakes too hard or turns too sharply.
Drivers who begin to skid should ease off of the accelerator, start turning the wheel towards the direction of the skid, and lightly apply the brakes after regaining control of the vehicle.
Drivers should also maintain good posture when steering and be alert to any changing conditions while driving. Driving is a privilege, not a right, after all. That’s why a driver can be held legally liable if their negligence leads to an accident. To learn more about how a lawyer can help uphold your rights (including your right to financial recovery), call John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000 for a FREE consultation.
What to Do After an Accident Caused By Failure to Heed Changing Weather or Road Conditions
If you or a loved one were injured in a crash resulting from another driver who was not being safe based on the road conditions, you may be entitled to compensation for the costs of the accident.
In Georgia, an injured party has a right to recover damages caused by a breach of legal duty (Georgia Code section 51-1-6). Since all drivers must drive safely and carefully on the roads, not adapting to changing road conditions is a form of negligence. If an accident results, the driver who made poor decisions can be found at fault. If you were a victim of this type of accident in Roswell, here are some things we recommend doing as soon as possible:
- Call the police to report the accident.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, our vehicle damage, and your injuries.
- Talk to any eyewitnesses to the accident and get their contact information.
- See a doctor as soon as possible after the accident.
- Keep track of all bills, receipts, and other evidence of damages.
- Talk to a Roswell failure to heed changing weather or road conditions lawyer right away.
A lawyer can help you with all of the above steps. They can also handle communication with the insurance company and seek a settlement that will actually cover your costs—not a lowball amount that you might initially be offered.
Talk to a Roswell Failure to Heed Changing Weather or Road Condition Lawyer for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have more than 20 years of experience helping accident victims like you. We do not charge a fee unless we win you money, so there’s no risk on your end. To learn more during a FREE consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
