Wet Roads Cause Multiple Crashes In Orange County

Not too surprisingly, the wet roadways here in Orange County led to a number of traffic collisions this morning.  According to a story in the Orange County Register, a three-vehicle collision that occurred in La Habra left two drivers injured at a busy intersection.  The accident was reported to the La Habra Police Department at 7:50 a.m., and the caller indicated there had been a three vehicle collision on Lambert Road, east of Beach Boulevard.  Also reported this morning was a two-vehicle collision on the northbound I-5, near Jeffrey Road.  In that accident, according to the Register, it appears the driver of a Honda Odyssey rear-ended a Ford F-150.  Several other accidents along the I-5 occurred on the rain slick road.

See the full Orange County Register article and photos HERE.

According to statistics compiled by the federal government, there are more than 6,301,000 motor vehicle crashes every year on U.S. roadways.  Of those, about 24% (1,511,000) are weather-related.  On average, 7,130 people are killed and over 629,000 people are injured in weather-related crashes each year.  Road weather conditions contributing to those accidents include: rain, snow, ice and fog. The vast majority of these crashes happen on wet pavement and during rainfall.  In an average year, 17 percent of fatal crashes, 22 percent of injury crashes, and 25 percent of property-damage-only collisions occur when an adverse weather condition and/or slick pavement is present. Rain like we experienced this morning and as is expected tomorrow, impacts visibility distance, pavement friction and lane obstruction, contributing to the happening of traffic accidents and injuries.  In these weather conditions, it is important for drivers to take appropriate steps to minimize the risk of an accident.  Here are some examples:

• Make sure your brakes are functioning properly ("ride" the brakes for a short distance to dry them out once they have gotten wet)
• Slow down (slick pavement can double your vehicle's stopping distance)
• Avoid aggressive braking
• Double your following distance
• Practice defensive driving

Compensation for the victims of automobile accidents caused by a driver's negligence should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a driver fails to adjust their driving to adverse weather conditions and causes a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable.  An Orange County auto accident attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years years of experience handling automobile accident cases, including those involving negligent drivers.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an Orange County motor vehicle accident?

Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.