The Schafer Law Office

More rain or snow—Few traffic accidents-Kentucky Auto Accident Attorney

A study from the University of California at Berkeley, done by Researcher Daniel Eisenberg, found out that the more it rained or the more it snowed in a month, only fewer deadly traffic accidents happened.  He discovered that the risk of crashes is greater when the rain came after a long period of dry spell preceding the onset of rain.

He showed us some interesting factors about the relationship between the adverse condition and the statistics for crashes.  First is drivers’ ability to adapt to change. We can say that a driver isn’t used to driving in a rain or snow after a long dry spell and eventually become adapted in the next days.  He pointed out the road as the second factor.  The road accumulates oil and debris making it slicker on the first fall of rain. Perhaps oil and debris are washed off the roads on the second day.  That is why, it is less dangerous.  Lastly, it is our mentality to slow down when bad weather comes to avoid crashes or possibility of collision.  As much as possible, we don’t travel when the weather is bad.  These factors show how much weather changes the risk in driving.

Based on his study, Eisenberg suggest using electronic roadside warning signs which will emphasize the risk during the first rain or snow following a dry spell. And of by lowering speed limits in those situations will be beneficial.  We just don’t know that maybe these measures will improve road safety and avoid more deaths, injuries, collisions due to fatal accidents until we make an act on it.  Hopefully transportation departments will consider this. Save life!