Arizona is known for sunshine and lots of it. But that doesn’t mean our roads don’t see some serious weather-related dangers that drivers should be aware of. In our lovely, sunny state, we see sudden dust storms and heavy rain during monsoon season, and every type of weather has a significant impact on car accidents. Understanding how weather affects crashes can help you stay safe, protect your rights, and know what to do if you’re ever involved in a weather-related accident.
Common Weather Hazards in Arizona
Snow and ice aren’t widespread in Arizona, but our weather patterns can prove just as frightful. Some of the most serious weather threats our drivers face are:
- Dust Storms – These fast-moving walls of dust, known as haboobs, can act just like fog, suddenly cutting visibility down to zero in a matter of seconds. They’re common on highways like I-10 and US-60 and have been known to lead to multi-car pileups.
- Heavy Rain and Flash Floods – Monsoon season typically runs from June through September. It brings quick, intense downpours. These rains cause drivers to lose visibility. They also flood the roads, and water can hide in potholes, causing vehicles to lose traction and hydroplane.
- Extreme Heat – Heat itself doesn’t cause crashes, but our extreme heat can lead to other circumstances that cause crashes. For instance, it can cause your tires to blow out or your engine to overheat, making your car a hazard for yourself and other drivers.
- Glare from the Sunlight – Arizona’s sun can be blinding, especially during sunrises and sunsets, the most frequent times for working people to be on the roads. The glare can cause traffic signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles to be unseen, which can lead to an accident.
The weather in Arizona can be just as dangerous as anywhere else, even if we don’t see a lot of snow. It’s important for drivers to be prepared and proceed with caution.
How Weather Affects Liability
Drivers need to be responsible on the roads and prioritize safety, even when bad weather makes it hard. That means you should slow down in the rain, safely pull off the roadway, turn off all vehicle lights in a dust storm, and keep a safe following distance in any condition. If a driver fails to do these things and a collision happens as a result, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result of that crash.
Valley Injury Team Is Here to Help
At Valley Injury Team, we’ve helped clients across Eastern Phoenix, including Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler, recover damages after weather-related crashes. We know Arizona’s weather can affect road safety and liability, and we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve. We use our experience and insider knowledge about insurance companies to help you maximize your settlement, and if the insurance company doesn’t back down, we won’t either. We’re ready to go to court to fight for your justice. Contact us today, and let us help you get back on your feet.
