Snow, ice, and rain do not just make driving uncomfortable; they create genuinely hazardous situations that catch even experienced drivers off guard, increasing the risk of a car accident. Winter will soon be here, so it is important to know how the weather can affect accident claims and driving safety.
How Does Snow Contribute to Towson Car Accidents?
Winter snow seems inevitable in Maryland, and it brings serious consequences for drivers who are not prepared or who underestimate the challenges it presents. Freezing precipitation, including snow, sleet, and hail, accounts for 18% of weather-related vehicle accidents nationwide. Visibility becomes so compromised that drivers cannot accurately judge distances or react to road hazards, leading directly to rear-end collisions when drivers brake too late or discover obstacles suddenly.
Towson and the surrounding area experience serious winter weather regularly, with documented and dramatic consequences for local roads. In 2021, Maryland State Police responded to 131 accidents in a single morning during one winter storm, with multiple accidents clustering along I-695 in the Towson area.
What Makes Ice So Dangerous on Towson Roads?
Black ice forms when water on wet roadways freezes as temperatures drop in the evening hours, creating a thin, nearly invisible coating that blends seamlessly with the asphalt, and by the time you realize it is there, your tires have already lost their grip. The danger is amplified because drivers often do not recognize the hazard until it is too late, leaving virtually no time to adjust driving or prepare for impact.
Why Do Rain-Related Accidents Happen So Frequently?
Rain causes more weather-related accidents than any other weather condition, with 70% of weather-related accidents occurring on wet pavement and 47% happening specifically during rainfall, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Many drivers do not take rain seriously enough, convinced that it is just water and that their driving skills will compensate, but wet roads are genuinely slick in ways that physics does not allow drivers to overcome through skill alone.
When rain hits the pavement, it mixes with oil and debris that accumulates on roads, creating a slippery coating that reduces tire grip and leads to hydroplaning, when your car essentially floats on top of the water instead of making solid contact with the asphalt.
Can Drivers Be Held Liable for Weather-Related Accidents in Maryland?
Just because the weather was bad does not mean you are off the hook if you caused an accident, and insurance companies certainly will not give you a pass simply because it was raining or snowing. Weather is not an excuse to drive recklessly; Maryland law requires drivers to adjust how they drive based on road conditions, which means slowing down during snow, ice, or rain and keeping more distance between vehicles.
Maryland follows a strict pure contributory negligence rule, which means that if you are found even one percent at fault for a collision, you can be completely barred from recovering any compensation at all.
How Should Drivers Prepare for Winter Weather in Towson?
Getting your vehicle ready for winter is not optional in Maryland if you want to drive safely and legally. Your windshield wipers need to work well, headlight covers should be clean, and tires need adequate tread for wet and snowy conditions.
Maryland law requires you to turn on your headlights whenever your windshield wipers are running, and before you drive, take time to completely clear snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, lights, and roof to prevent dangerous ice sheets from flying off and striking other vehicles.
Get Help with Your Weather-Related Accident Claim from a Towson Car Accident Lawyer at Garner Legal
If you have been hurt in a weather-related accident in Towson or Baltimore County, you do not have to handle this alone. Trust the Towson car accident lawyers at Garner Legal to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us at 443-899-1758 or fill out our online form for a free consultation today. Our office is in Baltimore.