Tennessee, also known as The Volunteer State has a very diverse weather climate that allows residents and visitors to experience all four seasons.
However, due to these diverse weather conditions, it's important that Tennessee motorists be able to operate their vehicles in all types of weather.
Unfortunately, due to a variety of contributing factors, many motorists on our roads are involved in weather related accidents that could have been avoided.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident due to weather related conditions, or as a result of the negligence of another motorists, the victim may be eligible to receive compensation for any injuries or property damages that they may have sustained.
To find out how we can help, simply fill out the "Free Case Review" form to the right.
Tips for Driving in the Rain
While precipitation falls throughout the year, most of the rainfall that Tennessee receives is during winter and early spring.
For those that happen to get caught in a rainstorm or other type of difficult driving environment, drivers can potentially avoid being in a motor vehicle crash, by following some simple bad weather driving suggestions.
These tips include (but are not limited to):
- Try to drive in the center lane of the street; rain typically collects on the sides of the street.
- Avoid driving by buses and commercial trucks. These vehicles make big splashes in the rain that can temporarily block your sight of the road.
- Watch your distance when driving in the rain. Make sure that you have enough room to stop, if the vehicle traveling in front of you abruptly slams their brakes.
- Avoid hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when your vehicles tires ride one top of a layer of water, causing you to lose control of your steering.
- Make sure to dry your brakes if they become saturated. After driving through a puddle, your brakes can become wet. You can dry them by applying light pressure.
- Pull over to a safe place, if the rain is coming down so hard that you cant see.
Its especially important for motorists to be cautious in the rain as the slick roads often make it more difficult for drivers to control their vehicle due to the lack of traction that is available.
Winter Driving Tips
Occasionally, Tennessee drivers may find themselves having to drive on roads covered in ice, sleet or rain. These weather conditions can make driving more difficult, increasing a motorists odds of being in a collision.
The following the tips below can help drivers reach their destination safely in adverse weather conditions:
- Motorists should never warm up their cars in enclosed places.
- Drivers should avoid using their parking brakes in winter weather conditions.
- Never use cruise control while driving on a slick road.
- Drivers can avoid having their gas line freeze up by always keeping their tanks half full.
- Always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle; you never know when you will need it.
- Use your low-beam lights when its overcast outside.
It's worth noting that many auto accidents are the result of driver distraction - which can include texting and driving or other activities that take the drivers focus away form the road.
Tips for Driving in the Snow
Driving in the snow - or in snowy conditions presents it's own unique issues for motorists in Tennessee. Due to the different driving environments that our motorists can face - from mountainous terrain to flat surfaces - drivers need to be able to handle the potentially hazardous situations that can arise in a moments notice.
Some important tips worth remembering can include:
- Accelerate and decelerate your vehicles slowly, this help you avoid skidding in the snow.
- Give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Every maneuver that you take (i.e. stopping, turning takes longer on a wet road.)
- Increase your following distance to eight to 10 seconds when driving on snowy roads.
- Try not to come to a complete stop at traffic lights. When you are approaching a stoplight, slow down enough to keep rolling until the light turns green again.
- Tennessee drivers should use threshold braking whenever possible. Keep your heel on the floor and use the ball of your foot to steadily apply pressure to the brakes.
- Avoid driving in snowy conditions, if possible. While you may be safe driver, other drivers may not operate their vehicles in a safe manner.
It's important to note that "black ice" is also prevalent in our region. Caused by water freezing on the road surface, it becomes almost invisible to most drivers, and when driven on at almost any speed, it can cause the car to lose traction (and control) in an extremely short amount of time.
As this hazard can appear almost anywhere, it's important to stay alert behind the wheel, and attentive to the controls of your vehicle.
Injured? Contact Our Knoxville Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and property damage. Here at Greg Coleman Law, an auto accident lawyer in Knoxville can help you to explore your legal options, should you wish to pursue a legal solution to obtaining compensation for your injuries.
With our head office located in Knoxville, our injury lawyers proudly provide comprehensive and affordable legal counsel to Knox County residents in:
- Amherst
- Black Oak
- Colonial Village
- Fountain City
- Inskip
- Lonsdale
- Marble City
- Norwood
.... and many others.
To learn more, contact us today at (865) 247-0080 and a member from our staff will quickly connect you to one of our attorneys that is best suited to handling your case.
Alternatively, simply fill out the "Free Case Review" form at the top of this page.
