Tennessee Drivers: Beware Dangerous Road Conditions!

By Thomas Greer | January 25, 2015

Tennessee car accidents are frequently caused by dangerous road conditions. And winter is the time to be especially careful as roads ice over, snow flies, and visibility decreases. Add these to the many other road hazards and careful driving becomes even more important.

Winter Road Hazards

There is no doubt that driving can be even more dangerous in the winter. One study reports that winter driving causes 1.5 million auto accidents each year. Conditions can change quickly and are varied:

  • Black ice is one winter road condition that causes many car accidents. Black ice can fool drivers because it can look like water on the road. This thin layer of ice is extremely slippery and usually forms under bridges, at intersections and in shady spots.
  • Blowing snow creates several dangerous conditions. First, it can decrease visibility. In addition, snow packs can break looses from vehicles and hit others. It can also melt and form ice.
  • Bridges and overpasses always freeze first. Use caution and slow down, leaving plenty of space between you and other vehicles when crossing an icy bridge.

Other Common Road Hazards

There are many other common Tennessee road hazards that exist throughout the year. These include:

  • Pedestrians can step out between cars or be hit walking along roadways and in crosswalks. Whether or not they have the right of way, always watch for people on foot.
  • Children are even more likely to be hit on roads as they move quickly and often run into the road to retrieve toys.
  • Animals including domestic animals, deer, and other wildlife can cause you to swerve and crash or, in the case of large animals, get hit and suffer serious damage.
  • Wet roads are common in Tennessee. Especially dangerous is the first rain after a period of dry weather, which is the most hazardous in the first half hour after the rain begins. Beware of standing water which can cause hydroplaning,
  • Debris in the roadway is another dangerous road condition. Whether it is things that fall from trucks, branches, rocks or construction items, debris can cause you to swerve and overcorrect, causing an accident.
  • Potholes and poorly maintained roads also cause accidents. Especially in difficult economic times, road conditions may not be up to par.

If you or a loved one has suffered a Tennessee auto accident as a result of a road hazard, you may have a serious personal injury case. To find out, contact a Memphis car accident lawyer at Bailey & Greer at 901-680-9777. We handle cases in Tennessee and Mississippi, including Memphis Germantown, Bartlett, Cordova, Collierville, Arlington, and Lakeland.

Posted in Auto Accidents, Library