Climate change affects communities around the world in different ways. In Canada, concern is growing among personal injury lawyers that an increase in extreme weather events will cause a spike in traffic accidents.
In Toronto, extreme weather events have become common. An unexpectedly powerful August 12 rainstorm caused damaging floods in the downtown core and, less than ten days later, bulletins warned of a repeat event that was ultimately less significant. A CBC report on the August 12 storm illustrates just how mundane these events have become.
“Basements were again drenched,” it read. “Power went out. Beaches were covered in super-gross trash from sewer overflows. Some drivers, bizarrely, insisted they could successfully drive through deep water, only to watch their cars float away.”
Just like our municipal governments, Canadian drivers are unsure how to prepare for extreme weather events. And like our governments, our lack of preparation can have dangerous consequences.
Driving in Extreme Weather
Personal injury lawyers understand that the most effective way to avoid accidents caused by bad weather is, simply, to stay home. However, storms like the ones that affected Toronto last month often develop quickly, leaving drivers no choice but to navigate through them.
If you get stuck in a severe storm, your first action should be to flick on your hazard lights.
“Putting on your hazard warns other drivers you’re reducing speed and also makes you more visible,” Tim Danter, head driving instructor at Canada’s Worst Driver, told Driving.ca. “Psychologically, we’re wired to follow the car ahead, which means pulling off the highway, especially if it’s a narrow shoulder, can be dangerous.”
Next, gradually reduce your speed; excessive speed is a major risk factor in bad weather, but so are unexpected maneuvers like slamming the brakes or veering to the side of the road.
“You can hydroplane at 40 km/hr,” Danter said. “You might not even be aware that you’ve lost that essential contact between the road and your tires until you try to steer, or hit the brakes.”
If the weather is too severe for you to safely continue driving, pulling onto the shoulder is an option. But be cautious and patient – wait until you have the space and room to ease off the road.
Most importantly, drivers should be aware that an extreme weather event is possible. When you expect the unexpected, it’s hard to be taken by surprise.
If you or a member of your family has been injured in a traffic accident, contact Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers today to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer. Our team will can provide support and guidance as you navigate the recovery process.
Greg Neinstein
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