Heavy Rains Expected to Impact Dallas Road Conditions This Week
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is bracing for significant rain and thunderstorms starting Wednesday evening, with these conditions expected to persist throughout the week. This weather is likely to cause major disruptions not just to our daily travel, but also to the roads we all use for commuting.
Things to Keep in Mind
Wet roads result in decreased tire traction. When the roads are wet, vehicles are at a higher risk of sliding, losing grip, or unexpectedly veering off course. Puddles can create serious dangers for both drivers and pedestrians. Moreover, if a car’s tires aren’t appropriate for the conditions, it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Limited visibility. Driving in fog, heavy rain, or snow can make it extremely difficult to see what lies ahead. This issue becomes even more pronounced if you’re driving at night during bad weather.
Careless drivers. In poor weather, most drivers usually take extra precautions on the road. However, some still drive irresponsibly, acting as if the conditions are completely normal. This type of driving significantly raises the risk of accidents and injuries.
Follow These Safe Driving Tips
Avoided Flooded Areas. Certain regions in the Dallas/Fort Worth area often experience heavy rainfall, leading to flooded roads. If you venture into these areas, your vehicle may become inoperable and might even require assistance from emergency responders. In Texas, we emphasize the importance of adhering to the principle of turn around – don’t drown.
Don’t Speed. Reducing your speed by 5-10 miles per hour when it’s raining or the roads are slick is a smart choice. Rain can make it harder to see, and when you add wet roads into the mix, it can take longer for your car to stop. Driving fast in the rain can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Keep An Eye Out For Other Drivers. Defensive driving is a key skill that’s taught in driver education classes because it focuses on preventing accidents and keeping yourself safe rather than just asserting your right in a risky situation with another driver. While it’s important to watch all the drivers around you, it’s even more vital to be extra careful when it’s raining.
Don’t Slam On Your Brakes. Doing this can increase the chances of losing control of your vehicle, making it hard for other drivers to predict what you’ll do and avoid crashes. Before you drive in the rain, it’s important to think about how well your car’s brakes work on wet roads.
Rain Damages the Road and Can Damage Your Vehicle
Standing water on roads created potholes. Theses potholes not only create driving hazards which can lead to accidents, they can severely damage your vehicle if you hit one.
Tires: When a pothole damages tires, they often end up cut, torn, or punctured in ways that can’t be fixed. Depending on the vehicle, a new tire might cost over $500.
Wheels: Hitting a pothole can bend or break wheels beyond professional repair. In such cases, drivers should expect to pay $300 or more for each replacement wheel. Additionally, losing balance weights is a frequent issue caused by potholes, and rebalancing and aligning wheels can also cost hundreds of dollars.
Suspensions: Potholes can cause costly damage to suspensions as well. Vehicles with suspension issues may have bent or broken components that need fixing, leading to repair costs that can reach $1,000 or more.
If You’ve Been In An Accident Due To Inclement Weather, Contact Us Today
Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Texas personal injury lawyer who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.
We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.
