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Reckless Driving Accidents Increase During Colder Months

Accidents can occur at any time, regardless of the weather. But specific factors, such as rain and snow, increase the risk of crashes happening. Hundreds of thousands of people get injured in car crashes during the colder months, especially when there are snowy, icy, or slushy roadways.

Driving defensively and watching out for dangerous, risky, impaired, or reckless drivers on the roadways also becomes more challenging. Even if you’re a careful driver, you can still get into a crash because another driver is driving in a reckless manner.

What Exactly is Reckless Driving?

Any driver who operates their vehicle in wanton or willful disregard for other people’s safety and property is a reckless driver. It can be very easy to lose control of one’s vehicle during winter weather. Reckless driving accidents increase during colder months because of the following reckless driving behaviors:

Speeding and Not Following Traffic Laws

Rain, ice, and snow on roadways can significantly elevate the risk of drivers losing control of their cars. To ensure safety, drivers must avoid speeding and always leave sufficient distance between them and the car ahead. Reckless driving behaviors become more hazardous in inclement weather during the colder months, and when drivers don’t follow the road rules by tailgating, not yielding the right-of-way, or making improper lane changes, their actions can lead to motor vehicle crashes and severe injuries.

Failure to Perform Regular Vehicle Maintenance

All drivers must ensure that their vehicle’s safety systems are working properly. If their tires are bald or worn, this will reduce traction, which increases the risk of the car sliding out of control when turning or stopping. Likewise, burnt-out or defective headlights can decrease visibility, and if faulty defrosters or wipers aren’t working properly, the driver may not be able to clearly see the road and other motorists around them. Failure to maintain a vehicle is reckless and considered negligent under the law.

Engaging in Risky Driving Tactics

Because of the increased risk of reckless driving crashes during colder months, drivers must pay extra attention when driving. Drunk, drugged, drowsy, and distracted driving can be particularly hazardous in rainy or snowy weather. Aside from facing criminal charges and administrative penalties, drivers who engage in reckless driving may be held liable for injuries and property damage they caused.

Seek Legal Advice From a Skilled Clearwater Car Accident Attorney Now

If you have been hurt in a reckless driving crash due to another driver’s negligence, contact Tragos, Sartes & Tragos today. Take note that the at-fault driver and their insurer will try to deny liability for the crash. They may argue that the crash was unavoidable because of the weather conditions and the driver was also a victim.

Our Clearwater car accident attorney can challenge the insurer’s claims and allow you to recoup monetary compensation for your damages. To explore your legal options and understand your legal rights, arrange your complimentary case review with our Clearwater car accident attorney by sending us an online message or calling our office at 727-441-9030.