Seattle is known for the high amount of rainfall the city receives each year. Residents of the city and other parts of Washington should understand that this rainfall increases the likelihood of becoming involved in an accident.
By the numbers
The Department of Transportation explains that more than 1.2 million crashes happen in the United States each year due to road conditions related to weather. These accidents cost more than 5,000 Americans their lives each year, and 418,000 more are injured. The department reports that 70% of these accidents happen on wet pavement. Nearly half of all accidents in the report took place while rain was falling.
Accident severity
Weather-related traffic accidents kill more Americans each year than large-scale weather events such as tornadoes, hurricanes and flooding. Thousands of Americans lose their life to weather-related car accidents each year while less than 400 yearly deaths happen because of large-scale weather events.
Weather-related factors that lead to accidents
Decreased visibility is likely the biggest weather-related factor that affects motorists. Rain, snow and fog are all capable of producing conditions that can reduce normal visibility to almost no visibility at all in a matter of minutes.
Slick pavement can also become a problem for drivers. A patch of snow or ice can cause a vehicle to slide out of the control of its driver. Heavy winds have also proved capable of blowing a car off course.
Most drivers who live in areas known for adverse weather conditions are well-versed in the precautions necessary to mitigate dangers like those presented above. These drivers need to remain conscious that a momentary lapse in concentration can have drastic consequences when the weather is less than optimal for driving.
Seeking help after an accident
Motor vehicle accidents can change the lives of everyone involved from the moment a collision takes place. Accident victims may benefit from the services of a personal injury attorney while recovering from losses or injuries.