Greene & Phillips: Wet Weather & Fog Driving Hazards

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Here along the Gulf Coast, we’re no strangers to heavy rain, fog, and slick roads, especially during the fall and winter months and hurricane season. These conditions can make driving dangerous, and unfortunately, we see accidents increase when drivers don’t adjust to the weather. David Greene from Greene & Phillips Injury Lawyers joined us to talk about how to stay safe on wet and foggy roads, and what to do if you’re involved in a weather-related accident.

Why are wet roads and fog such a big issue around here, especially in Mobile and Baldwin Counties?

We get a lot of sudden rain, morning fog, and storms off the Gulf. When roads are wet, oil rises to the surface and makes the pavement slick. Add in fog, especially on bridges like the Causeway or I-10 Bayway, and visibility drops very fast. Drivers don’t always slow down, and that’s when accidents happen. Hydroplaning and rear-end collisions are very common in these conditions.

What are some key tips for driving safely in wet or foggy weather?

First, slow down and leave extra space between you and the car in front of you. Wet roads can double or even triple stopping distance. Don’t use cruise control in the rain, because if you start to hydroplane, the car will accelerate. In fog, use low-beam headlights or fog lights, never high beams. And if visibility gets too low, pull over somewhere safe rather than continuing blindly.

Do drivers sometimes assume bad weather excuses them if they cause a crash?

They do, but legally, bad weather is not an excuse. Drivers have a duty to adjust to road conditions. If someone is speeding in the rain, tailgating in fog, or driving too fast on wet roads and causes an accident, they can still be held responsible. Weather may contribute, but negligence is still negligence.

Is hydroplaning always unavoidable, or is it sometimes driver error?

It depends. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but a lot of times it’s linked to speeding, worn tires, or driving too fast for conditions. If a driver loses control because they were going too fast for the rain or had bald tires, they may still be responsible for the crash.

If someone is injured in a weather-related accident, what should they do?

Call 911 and get medical help first. If it’s safe, take photos of the scene, especially road conditions, standing water, damage, and skid marks or lack of them. Get witness names if possible. Then, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer, like the attorneys at Greene & Phillips.. Weather-related crashes can get complicated because insurance companies will sometimes try to blame the weather instead of the driver.

If someone needs help after one of these accidents, how can they reach Greene & Phillips?

You can stop by our office at 51 North Florida Street anytime, no appointment needed. You can also call or text us at 251-300-2000, or visit greenephillips.com. And if you can’t make it to us, we’ll come to you.