The human brain evolved to respond quickly to direct threats to safety, which makes it difficult for us to accurately assess the inherent dangers of everyday activities that only occasionally have dangerous and deadly consequences. Driving is one of those everyday activities that are, in reality, inherently dangerous although the perils are not obvious unless something goes awry.

Because of this flaw in our cognitive recognition of danger drivers become complacent. It is no surprise that most auto accidents occur on short, routine, local trips where drivers feel most safe. This complacency also causes drivers to increase their risk of an accident by driving while distracted, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or driving recklessly in unsafe weather conditions.

During the warm days of spring and summer the roads and skies are clear for long stretches of time and the days themselves have more hours of light enabling motorists to drive under safe conditions with high visibility. As the days shorten and the temperature drops the weather patterns shift and bring more rain, ice and even snow to many parts of the country. Even warmer areas like Southern California occasionally experienced snow fall in the lowlands and annually accumulate inches of snow on perilous and windy mountain roads. Drivers inexperienced with maneuvering a motor vehicle in snow or on ice caught off guard by rare flurries are at a huge risk for devastating car accident.

Rain, the most universal weather condition can cause dramatically reduced visibility, unexpected puddles on freeways that lead to dangerous high-speed hydroplaning and may interact with accumulated dirt or oil on the roads of very arid states, making them slippery as though they were covered with black ice. Motorists may fail to turn on their headlights, making it difficult for others on the road with them to identify them visually. Rain can also lead to icy road conditions even in states where it rarely or never snows. Ice reduces the traction of car tires which can easily cause the vehicle to slip and the driver to lose control of the car.

Snow, like rain reduces visibility and tire traction. Beautiful, sparkly and powdery snow can be the most dangerous type and cause cars to slide, skid and fishtail even when driving at speeds of less than 25mph. These slow motion accidents can results in a collision with stationary objects, other motor vehicles and even pedestrians and cause severe damage despite their sluggish unfolding.

Weather can be a factor in auto accidents and motorist complacency can increase the risks inherent to driving. In the event of a weather-related car accidents contact an experienced auto accident lawyer to find out more about your legal options and to help you properly file your automobile accident insurance claims.