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Wet weather driving conditions apparently caused 29-vehicle pileup
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The St. Louis chain reaction collision happened on I-70 and involved two separate crashes
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Drivers can follow certain precautions during wet weather to increase safety
Wet weather driving conditions can be treacherous for Missouri and Illinois drivers, especially in situations where other motorists do not adjust their driving habits to account for the extra hazards. The law requires that drivers exercise reasonable care when they take to the roads. This includes taking appropriate precautions during wet weather driving conditions, such as slowing down and leaving more room between cars than might be the case when the roads are dry. Unfortunately, a car accident that happens in wet weather can quickly turn catastrophic when multiple vehicles are involved.
This appears to have been the case with a large, multi-car pileup that happened in St. Louis in early May. The 29-vehicle chain reaction collision occurred on I-70 not far from both Zumbehl and Cave Springs. According to authorities, six vehicles were stopped for a prior crash when a seventh vehicle failed to stop and set off another accident. Nine people suffered injuries in the chain reaction crash and were taken to an area hospital to receive medical treatment. Wet weather conditions were reported as being at least a contributing factor for causing the collisions.
It is important for drivers to remember that they owe a reasonable duty of care to others on the road when they are driving, no matter how wet the conditions. Statistics show that approximately 1.2 million traffic accidents can be attributed at least partially to wet conditions each year. There are certain safety precautions that motorists can take when driving conditions get wet in order to increase their odds of arriving safely to their destinations.
- Make sure your windshield wiper blades are maintained and do not leave streaks.
- Ensure that your brake lights, headlights, taillights, and turn signals work.
- Always use your headlights when it’s raining—some recommend to use them anytime you drive.
- Your tires should have proper tread and be inflated appropriately so the vehicle will maintain traction on wet roads.
- Do not use cruise control in rainy or other wet conditions.
- Perhaps most importantly—SLOW DOWN! This can not only avoid running into a vehicle that stops suddenly, it can also help prevent hydroplaning. Additionally, do not brake sharply as they can increase the risk of skidding.
- If your vehicle does start to hydroplane or skid, don’t panic: continue looking and steering in the direction that you want the car to travel and do not slam the brakes.
The unfortunate truth is that even the most careful of drivers can be involved with a car accident in wet weather driving conditions. If you or a loved one have been hurt in this type of crash, please contact us right away by dialing 1-888-586-7041 to arrange a free initial meeting. We can help you learn your rights under personal injury and/or wrongful death laws so you know if you can seek financial restitution from a driver you believe to have acted negligently. Neither you nor your family should have to struggle to pay off medical or funeral expenses caused by someone else’s failure to exercise reasonable care. We stand ready to help you and are only a phone call away.
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