Drivers often lose control on dangerous roads, which leads to accidents. There are simple dangers out there that can lead to serious accidents.
Kansas has a combination of rural highways and urban streets that often get worn down by harsh weather. Potholes and icy patches can make Kansas roads dangerous. Kansas City experiences weather shifts that make driving less safe, too.
This is why it’s a good idea to call a Kansas City car accident attorney when you get into an accident on these roads. In this article, we’ll take a look at the common car accidents caused by poor road conditions and poor weather.
What Types of Accidents Happen on Bad Roads?
Different kinds of accidents might happen when the roads are in bad shape or there are unexpected hazards.
Accidents Caused by Potholes
Potholes are very dangerous to vehicles. When a car hits a deep pothole, the sudden jolt might make the steering wheel lurch to the side.
This might cause the driver to lose control, especially while going fast. Potholes can also cause tires to blow out, which can make the automobile go into another lane or off the road.
Vehicle Damage Accidents
Accidents that cause vehicle damage also happen on cracked or uneven pavement. While driving, cracks, loose gravel, and elevated edges might damage shocks, axles, or tires.
These problems could cause a part of the suspension to break suddenly, which could make you lose control. Drivers may swerve to avoid these defects in the road, which can cause them to hit other cars.
What Accidents Occur in Bad Weather?
The weather can turn safe roads into dangerous paths very quickly.
Accidents Caused by Hydroplaning
When rainfall builds up quicker than tires can push it away, hydroplaning happens. The tires lose contact with the road, and the driver can’t steer anymore. Even experienced drivers can slide out of control until the tires get a grip again, which can take a few seconds.
Accidents Caused by Icy Surfaces
Another danger is slipping on icy surfaces, which is more likely to happen when it’s frigid outside. Black ice, which is hard to see, can form overnight or in areas that are shadowed during the day.
When a car hits black ice, it can spin or slide without warning. So, it has a higher chance to crash into other vehicles on the road, guardrails, or other objects. When you drive downhill or around curves, you’re more likely to be in danger in these conditions.
Accidents Caused by Low Visibility
Fog, heavy rain, or mist can make it hard for drivers to see far ahead, which can lead to low pileups. If there isn’t adequate warning, cars may collide into traffic that is moving slower or has stopped.
The I-75 fog tragedy in Tennessee is a well-known example. In this accident, 99 cars crashed into each other in a huge chain reaction. Drivers who can’t slowdown in time can cause pileups like these on crowded roadways.
Final Key Takeaways
- Bad weather and bad roads combine to create a lot of accidents.
- Wet surfaces and rain are two of the most common causes of accidents.
- Icy roads, potholes, and poor visibility are all hidden threats that can lead to major accidents.
