Auto Accidents Caused by High Winds - and How to Avoid Them By Chanfrau & Chanfrau on October 19, 2017

In the state of Florida, we’re no stranger to high winds. However, many people don’t realize that, in addition to the damage that they can cause to homes and personal property, high winds can also cause devastating auto accidents. As a driver, there are certain precautions you can take when operating your car, truck, or other motor vehicle in high winds to minimize the risk of such an accident and help protect your safety and the safety of others.

If you have been involved in an auto accident involving poor weather conditions, you may be entitled to compensation for losses and expenses related to any injuries you sustained. The personal injury attorneys of Chanfrau & Chanfrau have extensive experience and a history of success in handling cases involving auto accidents and high winds in the Holly Hill, FL region, and they would be pleased to evaluate your case and advise you of your legal rights and options.

Please contact our personal injury law firm today to arrange for an evaluation of your auto accident case. In the meanwhile, feel free to read the following tips to help you avoid auto accidents caused by high winds in the future.

Helpful Tips to Avoid Auto Accidents Caused by High Winds

By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of serious auto accidents caused by high winds:

Maintain a safe driving speed: It is more difficult to keep control of your vehicle at higher speeds even when the weather is perfect; however, when the winds are high, speeding dramatically increases your risk of losing control. Keep yourself safe by slowing down during high winds.
Stay away from large vehicles: If you drive a passenger vehicle, steer clear of large commercial trucks, buses, and other larger vehicles on the road. These taller, less aerodynamic vehicles tend to be more difficult to maneuver in high winds.
Be on the lookout for flying debris: It isn’t just the wind itself you have to be mindful of during high winds. Watch out for flying debris and remember that, the faster you are driving, the more dangerous the impact with such debris will be.
Avoid downed power lines: Never assume that a downed power line isn’t active. A high-voltage wire could still be alive and cause terrible injuries.
Watch out for slippery conditions: When wind is accompanied by rain, snow, sleet, or hail, the roads become much more hazardous to drive. Hydroplaning is dangerous enough; when it is combined with a strong burst of wind, the results can be catastrophic.
Keep a fully charged cell phone on hand: Make sure that if you must travel in high-wind conditions, you are able to communicate in the event of an emergency. Keep a fully charged cell phone on hand at all times.