Seasonal Changes – Such as the Change to Spring – Can Cause Car Accidents
The change from winter to spring does not always mean that the roads are safer for drivers. In fact, some factors unique to early spring can even make it more dangerous to drive than at the tail end of the winter. You should always be aware of the changing conditions and plan for them accordingly. If you have been injured in a car accident at any time of the year, the car accident attorneys in Washington at Schauermann Thayer Injury Law are here to fight for you.
Reach out to our vehicle accident attorneys today to schedule a free initial consultation. Schauermann Thayer has been working to protect the legal rights of accident victims in the Pacific Northwest for almost four decades. Find out how we can go to work for you.
Traffic Crashes Increase in the Early Days of Spring
Seasons change, and along with them, drivers’ habits must too. When winter turns to spring, there are a host of new accident risks. One may think that the number of crashes would actually go down when the weather gets warmer. However, weather conditions are just one factor that contributes to car accidents. The change in weather conditions can distract drivers and also cause a flurry of activity that could increase the danger on the road. Here are some reasons why the roads may become more dangerous after the ides of March.
Daylight Savings Time Changes
The day or two immediately following the spring change in clocks results in more traffic accidents. First, drivers miss an hour of sleep, which changes their body rhythms. The one-hour loss of sleep results in a 6% spike in traffic accidents. Second, motorists have to adjust to more sunlight at times when they are used to darkness. Drivers often take a few days to adjust to the change in clocks, and they are more dangerous until they can acclimate to the change in the clocks. Drowsy driving can even be as dangerous as drunk driving if motorists have gone long enough without sleep.
More Pedestrians and Motorists Are on the Road
The better weather also means that more pedestrians and bicyclists are outside. In addition, there are more drivers on the road because some may have stayed home more during the colder winter months. Drivers will need to be more careful when they have to share the roads with more types of vehicles. They may swerve to avoid a pedestrian accident, only to end up in a crash with another car.
Glare from the Sun
Once the winter concludes, there are more hours of sunlight. Now, the evening rush hour occurs when there is still light outside. The same thing goes for the morning commute because the sun comes up earlier. In addition to more sunlight, the glare also tends to be brighter in the spring. Then, the sun may be directly in motorists’ eyes. Drivers can become blinded in the sun, and they are not able to see others around them on the road. They are also more likely to lose control of their car driving around curves.
More Volatile Weather
While the temperature may warm in the spring, it is not always linear. The weather can change from day to day, leaving drivers unprepared for the conditions. In addition, March is among the rainiest months in the Seattle area. The harsh weather conditions can cause slippery roads and limited visibility for drivers.
New Construction Projects
The government often defers needed maintenance on roads from the winter to the spring. They want to see the extent of the damage to the roads from the winter conditions before they begin any project. In addition, winter can cause additional weather delays for projects, so the authorities want to wait until the weather warms slightly. Construction zones on highways and local roads are very dangerous because of unpredictable conditions. Work zone traffic fatalities increased by over 50% from 2010 to 2021, reflecting the extreme dangers of highway construction.
More Distractions on the Road
Spring brings a whole new series of distractions for motorists behind the wheel. They may be looking at new sights on the side of the road. They could be more active in general because of the warmer weather, causing them to lose focus when driving. Motorists may be even more tempted to do things like texting behind the wheel because they are busier during the spring.
Regardless of the cause of the crash, you could seek financial compensation from a driver whose negligence caused your injuries. First, you should hire an experienced Washington car accident lawyer who would investigate the accident and gather the evidence that you need to prove that someone else was to blame for the accident. Your auto accident lawyer could file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf and negotiate a settlement that fully pays you for your injuries.
Contact a Washington Car Accident Lawyer Today
The Washington car accident attorneys at Schauermann Thayer Injury Law are here to help – all you need to do is call us to schedule a time to speak with one of our vehicle accident lawyers. We will get right to work on your case, providing you with diligent representation while giving you attentive service. To speak with one of our car accident attorneys, you can send us a message online, or you can call us today at (360) 818-2725. You pay us nothing upfront, and you do not pay us at all unless you win your case.
