Winter Weather Hazards in Alabama

Winter is quickly approaching. The days are getting shorter, and the outside temperatures are getting cooler. While Alabama typically has mild winters compared to many other states, many of our residents still have trouble navigating the roadways in the winter weather we do get, which often leads to disastrous and catastrophic car crashes.

Winter weather hazards that people often face in Alabama

Although Alabama typically does not get much snow, we still face various winter weather conditions during our morning and evening commutes that can quickly become hazardous. Some of the winter weather hazards that people often face in Huntsville, Alabama, include:

Black ice: Black ice is a thin layer of ice that sits on top of the black roadway, making it almost impossible to see. When a vehicle drives over these patches of ice, its tires may lose grip, causing the driver to slide across the roadway and hit other vehicles or objects.

Freezing rain or sleet: If it gets cold enough, we can see some freezing rain or sleet. During these conditions, the roadways may become slick, and visibility may become an issue, causing more wrecks. Since sleet can appear very light, many Alabamans may assume it is simply raining and continue to drive in it as normal. However, this can actually lead to a very hazardous situation quickly.

Intense fog: January is considered the foggiest month in Alabama. Fog can cause serious visibility problems, making it challenging for drivers to navigate the roadways. For example, a driver driving in intense fog may be unable to see street signs, traffic lights, and even other vehicles. This can cause them to have slower reaction times to certain situations or trouble determining how far another vehicle is, increasing their chances of being involved in a dangerous collision.

Rain: It is not unusual for Huntsville, Decatur, and other parts of Alabama to see more rain in the winter months. This can become risky as drivers experience reduced visibility, slippery and wet roadways, and even standing water. During these conditions, drivers may hydroplane, crash into other vehicles if they follow too closely, or even lose control and run off the roadway or into oncoming traffic.

Extreme winds: Winter is one of Alabama’s windiest seasons. Individuals driving in extremely windy conditions may experience flying debris or fallen trees and other objects in the roadway, creating obstacles that can be difficult to get around. Depending on how strong the winds are, it can feel like your vehicle is being pushed or moved, which can be frightening.

Snow or light flurries: Although it is rare for Alabama to see much snow, it is important to include this weather hazard on this list. Huntsville or Decatur may see some light flurries now and then, which do not accumulate too much. However, this may give residents a false sense of confidence on the roadways during these conditions. If cold enough, these flurries can cause slippery roadways, black ice, poor visibility conditions, and more. While it does not take long for any snow in our area to begin to melt, it can become very dangerous when mixed with dirt, debris, oil, and other items on the road.

Who else is at risk of winter weather hazards on the roadway?

Pedestrians and bicyclists are two other groups of people who are also at risk of winter weather hazards on the roadway.

Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable on roadways during the winter months. If a pedestrian is crossing the roadway and a vehicle hits a patch of black ice, the vehicle may begin to skid across the roadway, and the driver may be unable to stop in time to avoid striking the pedestrian. Pedestrians can also be more difficult to see because of the visibility issues caused by fog, rain, sleet, and even snow.

Bicyclists are also at risk for the same reasons as pedestrians. For example, drivers may be unable to see bicycle riders due to sleet, fog, or rain, which can lead to tragic accidents. Bicyclists can also run over patches of black ice or slippery sidewalks and roadways, causing them to lose control or even be thrown from their bikes and experience severe and life-threatening injuries.

What preparations should Alabama drivers and car owners make for winter weather?

Before winter weather gets here, Alabama drivers and car owners must prepare to avoid personal injury accidents. Here are five ways that they can make sure that they are ready for the upcoming season:

1. Get your vehicle checked by a reputable mechanic: Huntsville experiences very cold temperatures in the morning and nights during the winter. Have the mechanic check the vehicle’s fluids, lights, brakes, battery, defrost system, heat, and more.
2. Replace your windshield wipers and add more windshield wiper fluid: You should replace your windshield wipers every year. If you have not done so this year, now is a good time to do so. You should also add more windshield wiper fluid. By taking care of these small and simple tasks, you may be able to see better when it rains, sleets, or even snows.
3. Check the condition of your tires: Since winter increases the chances of slippery, wet, and slick road conditions, it is a good idea to check the condition of your tires. This means that you should ensure that the tread is not worn and that you have enough air in each tire. Tire pressure can quickly decline in cold weather, which is why it is essential to ensure adequate air.
4. Check the weather before traveling: Over the next few months, it is essential to regularly check the weather and plan your route accordingly before leaving home. If any chances of bad weather are expected, you should give yourself additional time to navigate the roadways. In situations where the conditions are particularly hazardous, you may want to consider staying home.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a winter-related accident, please do not hesitate to contact a Huntsville personal injury lawyer from Martin & Helms at your earliest convenience. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation in Huntsville or Decatur today. We also assist clients in Madison and Athens.