Earlier this month, two people were killed, and three others were injured when a car skid off the road and collided with a tree. CBS Minnesota reports that a neighbor overheard the accident, and went to help. Three individuals were transported to the hospital, and two could not be saved.
The accident highlights the dangers that drivers face when cars skid out of control. When this happens accidents are more likely. It’s all the more important therefore to make sure you car is up to date on its service and the condition of it is checked over by professionals from somewhere like Conklin GMC to make sure it is fit for purpose.
Yet, what factors contribute to these kinds of accidents?
According to the Lewis County Driving School, there are several factors that can cause a car to skid out of control. The conditions of the road, the condition of the car, and the driver’s actions can all have an impact on whether a car skids.
Road conditions that contribute to skidding include, wet, icy, or frosted roads. Mud or packed wet leaves can also cause a car to skid. Road surfaces covered with sand or gravel can also contribute to a car’s propensity to skid.
A car’s equipment can also have a huge impact on whether a car skids. For instance, if brakes are not properly adjusted, the breaks can pull the car off center. Additionally, front wheel misalignment can also cause a car to skid. Individuals can prevent accidents from occurring by performing regular maintenance on the car, and ensuring that brakes and tires are properly balanced and aligned. If you feel like your breaks are off, book in for a Chantilly brake repair service as soon as possible. If a problem is left unattended, it could cause serious damage to you and your car.
Furthermore, driving at night can also introduce a whole new level of risk. A lot of drivers even decide to purchase HID bulbs from Xenons Online as a way of improving their car headlights and nighttime visibility.
Driver behavior can also have an impact on whether a car skids. If a driver makes a sudden jerking motion with the steering wheel, the car can skid out of control. This can happen if a driver is drunk or driving while drowsy. Sudden changes in the car’s speed can also cause a car to skid. If a driver stops suddenly, especially on a hill, the car may skid.
Finally, drivers should be aware of the risk of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when drivers move at high speeds on wet roads. At speeds higher than 55 miles per hour, the tires can no longer wipe the road clean of water, and the tires actually start to act like water skis. At speeds of 55 miles per hour or more, a car’s tires may actually not even be on the roadway at all. If the car is subject to a sudden stop, a curve, or even a high gust of wind, the car can skid out of control. For this reason, it is important that drivers use extreme caution under heavy rain conditions. Drivers should keep their speeds below the 55 mile per hour threshold during severe storm conditions. Weather conditions and road conditions are a major factor, if you live in the countryside where mud is your main terrain, look into cheap mud tires.
Drivers are responsible to matching their speeds to the weather and road conditions. Sadly, when drivers fail to do this, tragic accidents can occur. The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino has years of experience helping individuals who have been injured in car accidents.
Sometimes, accidents can’t be prevented, but when an accident occurs due to no fault of your own, the strain of medical bills and rehabilitation can be immense. The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino offers free, no-obligation consultations for personal injury victims in Minneapolis, Minnesota.