JULY 9, 2020
How Does Wet Pavement Contribute To Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Our injury law firm can assist you if you've been in an accident that was the result of wet pavement, which reduces vehicle traction on roads.
How does wet pavement contribute to motor vehicle accidents? What steps can motorists take to reduce their risk of an accident when the roads are less than dry? Wet pavement reduces traction on the roads. This negatively affects handling characteristics and increases the stopping distance of the vehicle. Drivers can reduce their risk of an accident caused by wet pavement by slowing down, and ensuring their brakes and tires are always in good condition.
Rain and Accidents in Kansas
Cities in Kansas receive an average of 95 days of precipitation each year. Topeka, Perry Lake, Olathe, and Manhattan receive the most rain and snowfall in the state. Wet pavement caused by rain, drizzle, snow, and sleet caused 11.8% of motor vehicle accidents in 2018. Kansas records contributing circumstances that are factors in causing motor vehicle crashes. In 2018, icy/slushy roads contributed to 1,790 accidents (2.3% of total), rainy, misty, or drizzly conditions contributed to 1,145 crashes (1.5%), wet conditions contributed to 1,134 crashes (1.5%), snow (packed and accumulated) contributed to 581 crashes (.8%), while sleet, hail, or freezing rain contributed to 574 car accidents (.7%) in Kansas.
Other contributing circumstances recorded in 2018 were driving too fast for conditions, which was a factor in 5,324 accidents (6.9%), and tires which contributed to 367 motor vehicle accidents (.5%) in Kansas.
How Moisture Negatively Impacts the Road Surface
There are numerous ways that moisture makes the pavement more dangerous. Light and moderate rain can make pavement slick when it combines with oil and other pollutants on the surface. This reduces friction between the tire and the road. In fact, the most dangerous time to drive on a wet road is immediately after the rain has started to fall when the oil rises to the surface. The risk is even greater if the tread on the tire is insufficient for safe handling.
Further, rain can accumulate within potholes, ruts, and other depressions. When a driver speeds into these, their risk of hydroplaning or blowing a tire rises exponentially. This risk is increased if the driver uses cruise control and does not reduce their speed so that they are driving safely for conditions.
Tire Safety Matters
New tires are expensive, but when you consider the cost a damaged or worn tire can cause, purchasing new tires is an investment in safety worth every penny. All tires wear out over time, and most manufacturers recommend replacing them when the tread is below the 4/32" mark. This is twice the minimum safe tread depth of 2/32" established by US law. Even tires that are not used regularly, such as those on four-wheelers, RV's, boat trailers, etc. should be replaced every 6-10 years depending on the tire.
Drivers in Kansas should also inspect their tires for signs of dry rot. Tires that are brittle, cracked, or faded can be dangerous even if they have sufficient tread. Dry rot can cause the tire to develop leaks and holes, thus making it more prone to a blowout. In wet road conditions, hitting a pothole or other pavement damage with a tire that has rotted can cause a motorist to lose control over the vehicle quickly.
Our Wichita based personal injury lawyers are accident attorneys who have offices across Wichita and in Garden City. Our team will instantly go to work to prove accident injury victims are not at fault. You can use our contact page or get a free call at our Wichita offices at 316-684-4400 and our Garden City office at 620-843-2855.
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