Driving in Edmonton, Alberta, has its unique challenges. Even when you do everything by the book, you might find yourself facing unique circumstances that could be the cause of car accidents, big or small. Unfortunately, there are many factors that can cause car accidents which could result in traumatic injuries. The best defence you can take to avoid an accident is to know what possible challenges you might face on the road and how to react if you encounter them. Below are some of the top causes of car accidents in Edmonton.
Weather
It goes without saying that Edmontonian weather plays a significant role in many car accidents. During the fall, winter and spring seasons, one cannot determine the state of the road and whether or not it’s dangerous. For instance, during extreme weather fluctuation, a thin coat of highly transparent ice, “Black Ice,” is created on the road and blends in with the pavement, making it nearly impossible to see. Black ice forms when the snow melts or after rain falls as the temperature drops below the freezing point. The very thin layer of moisture then freezes over the surface of the road, which creates a slippery layer of invisible ice. From a distance, drivers usually think that the area ahead is simply a wet patch on the road, only to realize that it is, in fact, a slippery layer of ice after losing control of the steering wheel.
There are a few things you should do as a driver to avoid having a car accident when running into black ice. Firstly, you should pay attention to your car’s thermometer. Like any digital thermometer, your car’s thermometer tries to find the air’s temperature, which will then indicate if the weather is close to freezing. In this case, you should take extra precautions when you’re behind the wheel and be very careful when approaching an area that “looks” wet. Don’t drive above the speed limit during these times and, if possible, avoid driving between sunset and sunrise as they’re the prime time for the development of black ice. You should also make sure to install suitable winter tires that will give your car the proper traction it needs for Edmontonian winter roads.
Speeding
Although it might seem obvious, speeding is one of the leading causes of collisions in Alberta. Despite being told about the dangers of speeding, there are still drivers who fail to abide by the speed limit. Speeding is not only dangerous on highways, as many might believe, but it is also hazardous when driving in the city! If you find yourself sharing the road with a speeder, you must prepare yourself to react to their negligent driving. The best course of action is to avoid driving close to the speeder and leave a safe distance between your cars. You never know how the speeder might react if met with obstacles, which could result in a collision on the road. By making sure that you are driving at the legal speed limit and keeping a distance between you and the speeder, you should be able to arrive at your destination safely.
Learn more about Edmonton’s crash-prone neighbourhoods here!
Wildlife
While you might not meet any wildlife animals in the city, you might run into deer or elk on certain roads in Edmonton. Living so close to nature, wild animals have been one of the causes of fatal car accidents on the road and should not be taken lightly. When driving on the road, animals might appear suddenly and without warning, causing the driver to panic and swerve to avoid the animal. This can cause the car to collide with another vehicle or swerve off the road. The safest way to prevent car accidents when faced with an animal is to keep calm and think fast. When faced with an animal, there are several options you can take to avoid a collision. If you’re driving at a low speed, you can hit the brakes and try to stop the car before colliding with the animal. You must first check your rearview mirror before braking to make sure that the car behind you is within a safe distance and has the time to brake as well. For more tips on avoiding animals on the road, read this list.
What To Do If You’re In A Car Accident?
First things first, make sure that you and your passengers are safe and well. No matter how big or small the collision was, seek immediate medical attention to treat any threatening injuries. The next step is to contact a car accident lawyer in Edmonton to discuss your situation and assess the collision. You can schedule a free evaluation claim with James H. Brown and Associates, where you will be in contact with one of our experienced car accident injury lawyers. Retaining a James H. Brown and Associates injury lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and discuss your case’s best course of action.
We’re Here To Help
With more than 250 years of combined experience in personal injury law in Alberta, James H. Brown and Associates is ready to help you, no matter what! We have helped many victims across Alberta attain the rightful compensation they deserve. Call us today at 1 (855) 428-0088.
