How To Drive Safely During Georgia Thunderstorms

  • Home
  • Blog
  • How To Drive Safely During Georgia Thunderstorms
How To Drive Safely During Georgia Thunderstorms
April 20, 2023

Springtime is a time for many changes, especially with the weather. This is a time when the weather is equivalent to a yo-yo. You may experience warmer days one week and thunderstorms the next week. Finding yourself in a thunderstorm can be intimidating for many Georgia drivers. Here are some steps our Atlanta car accident attorneys recommend you follow if you find yourself amid a thunderstorm. We want to ensure you drive safely during a thunderstorm in Georgia.

Thunderstorm Accident Statistics

When the weather turns hazardous, so do the road conditions. According to the Auto Insurance Center, nearly 1.2 million cars are involved in hazardous weather accidents. 70% of those accidents happened because of wet pavement, and 46% happened because of rainfall.

The presence of rainfall increases your chances of getting involved in a car accident. In addition to wet pavement, other conditions, like heavy winds, can reduce road visibility. Whether the rainfall is heavy or light, the following steps can keep you safe during a thunderstorm.

How to Drive Safely: What to Do in a Georgia Thunderstorm

One of the safest steps that you can take is to slow down. Our Georgia car accident attorneys recommend driving below the speed limit during a thunderstorm. The posted speed limit may only be safe during ideal weather conditions. Traveling at the same speed can cause you to hydroplane and lose tire traction.

Use Your Windshield Wipers

The best way to maintain visibility is to keep your windshield as clear as possible. You want to ensure your windshield wipers are not broken or worn out. Keeping your windshield wipers moving at a regular speed will help increase visibility during a thunderstorm.

Turn on Your Headlights

Georgia law requires drivers to turn on their headlights as it’s raining. Having your headlights on will make you more visible to other drivers. You may want to avoid turning your hazard lights on unless you’re involved in a serious emergency.

Maintain a Greater Distance

When driving, increasing the distance between your car and the car in front of you is most important. You don’t want to risk hitting the car before you because you were hydroplaning and too close to stop. Increasing the length by several cars can keep you and the driver in front of you safe.

What Not to Do in a Georgia Thunderstorm

Some of the actions that you want to avoid during a thunderstorm include:

Excessive Braking

When you suddenly brake, it can increase your chances of hydroplaning. Instead, make sure to release the gas pedal earlier than expected. This allows you to react safely to whatever changes are happening on the road.

Avoid Driving in Standing Water

One of the last things you want to do is drive through any standing water on the road. The water may be deeper than you expected. You don’t want to assume that the water is shallow and end up being pulled off of the road. If possible, merge into a lane where standing water isn’t present. If you need to pull over on the side of the road, do so safely.

Avoid Driving in Lightning

You may want to avoid driving in lightning as much as possible. Metal attracts lightning. The more you’re around metal components, the greater the risk of being struck by lightning. If you have to pull over, make sure that you pull over in an area with little metal. You don’t want to be struck with lightning because you are too close to conductors. Remaining inside your car is the safest choice for you. The steel frame of your car may provide protection for you in case of lightning strikes.

There are many opportunities for you to get seriously injured in a car accident during a Georgia thunderstorm. You may have been safely driving and were hit by another driver. Your car may get seriously damaged without you even driving. Lightning may have struck a tree and caused it to fall on your car.

Under these conditions, you may be able to file a car accident claim. Unfortunately, insurance companies may not want to reward you with the compensation you deserve. They may even argue that you drove recklessly during a thunderstorm and caused your accident. Working with a Georgia car accident attorney can help you avoid a legal battle with insurance companies.

Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney Today

Contact us if you have been involved in a car accident in Atlanta or surrounding areas, or call Georgia Trial Attorneys at 833-4TheWin. We are experienced car accident attorneys who are here to help you. It is essential to understand your options, and you need an expert on your side. At Georgia Trial Attorneys, we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We will tailor your case to your specific

situation.

We work with clients throughout Atlanta and surrounding areas, including; Norcross, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Dekalb County, Clayton County, Fayette County, Forsyth County, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County.


You may also like

Contact Us for a Free Consultation