When you think of accident risks, your first thought might be distracted driving or speeding, but Mother Nature can play a role too.

Weather conditions can change road surfaces, visibility, and driver behavior. Sometimes, the weather can turn an ordinary drive into a dangerous one. If you want to avoid a car accident, here’s what you need to know about how weather can increase accident risks.

Car driving on a snowy road.

Slick Roads and Hidden Hazards

Rain is one of the biggest factors for car accidents. Even a light drizzle can create slick surfaces, especially after a dry spell when oil and dirt rise to the top of the pavement.

Heavy rain reduces traction, increases stopping distances, and can lead to hydroplaning. Along with that, visibility also decreases. Between fogging windshields, streaky wipers, and the glare of headlights on wet pavement, it can be harder for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and hazards.

Snow and Ice Create Treacherous Conditions

Snow and ice are infamous for creating white-knuckle driving experiences. Ice, especially black ice, is dangerous because it is almost invisible until you are already on it.

Braking distances multiply, and vehicles slide unpredictably. That can cause the most experienced drivers to lose control.

Snow adds another layer of risk. It can obscure lane markings and cover stop signs. Plus, snowbanks can block sight lines at intersections.

Fog Is a Silent Threat

Fog might not look as dramatic as snow or a thunderstorm but can make things risky since it cuts visibility. Drivers may underestimate how little they can see and continue at unsafe speeds.

Headlights, especially high beams, can make things worse by bouncing off the fog and creating glare.

When drivers misjudge the distance between their car and others, rear-end collisions become more likely.

Wind Is More Than Just a Nuisance

Strong winds can destabilize vehicles, especially trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles. A sudden gust can push a vehicle into another lane, off the road, or into a collision.

Flying debris, like branches or unsecured objects, adds to the danger. High winds also make it harder for drivers to maintain control when passing or being passed by larger vehicles.

Heat and Sun Glare

Even sunny weather can create hazards. Extreme heat often causes tires to blow out, especially if they are underinflated.

Along with that, asphalt can soften. In turn, that may reduce traction on the road. And don’t forget about sun glare. When the sun is low in the sky during morning or evening commutes, it can temporarily blind drivers. That split second of impaired vision is all it takes for an accident to occur.

Weather Can Play a Role in Accident Risks

Weather conditions can amplify accident risks in ways drivers may not always anticipate. Rain, snow, fog, wind, and even sunshine can be dangerous.

Drivers need to stay aware. Adjusting speed, increasing following distance, using headlights appropriately, and being more cautious when the weather turns can all reduce your chance of an accident. If another driver acted negligently during poor weather and caused an accident that harmed you, be sure to work with a law firm like Thomas Law Offices that will work tirelessly on your behalf.

You can’t control the forecast, but you can control how you respond to it. That can make all the difference in keeping yourself and others safe on the road.