Car accidents are a fairly common occurrence. Car insurance statistics show that most drivers will have one every 17 years or so. But since they can be so serious, it’s wise for drivers in Michigan to know the common causes of collisions. Sometimes, they are true accidents. At other times, there is negligence involved.
Weather conditions and motor vehicle accidents
One factor that can have big impacts on collisions is the weather. Snow and rain are obviously dangerous because they affect the condition of the road itself. But even bright sunlight can be a hazard for drivers. In fact, one study published in 2017 found that 16% of collisions that caused serious injuries occur when sunlight is unusually bright.
The glare from bright sunlight can affect the ability of drivers to see the road, and obstacles, clearly. When people are dealing with glare from sunlight, they may misjudge distances. They may also drive faster than they normally would. The authors of the study believe that this information should inform the way drivers are trained.
It possibly should inform the way vehicles are designed, too. Every driver knows that there are times when the visor is simply not enough to keep glare from their eyes. Addressing this issue in a systematic way could potentially improve or save lives. The study found that motor vehicle accidents in sun glare conditions were responsible for as many as 5,000 days of hospitalization.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to contact an attorney. An experienced lawyer may be able to help you recover damages. This money can possibly replace lost wages and cover medical expenses.
