Road Safety and Weather Conditions in North Carolina

When drivers in North Carolina (NC) talk about road safety and weather conditions, they are usually referring to winter weather conditions, such as snow or ice. They may not even consider the fact that the spring, summer and fall present their own unique traffic safety risks for travelers of Interstate 85 (I-85), I-95, I-26, I-77, and so forth.

In the spring, for instance, it is not unusual for there to be several balmy days during which there may be rain showers, followed by a stretch of below-freezing weather. This can not only cause winter weather conditions, but the extremes in temperatures can sometimes cause pavement to buckle or crack.

In the summer, dry conditions can cause problems with roadway dust. Surprisingly, this can happen even on paved roads. In the fall, leaves can fall or be blown onto roadways and made slick from rain. If the leaves are wet, they may not blow away as easily, and can cause a skidding hazard. All of these problems can cause major car crashes.

It may be necessary for road workers to remove leaf debris manually. However, for dust and ice conditions, a salt solution containing magnesium chloride can be used to help maintain the road and reduce the risk of an accident. NC drivers may be familiar with magnesium chloride salt solutions being used in the winter, but may not have had any idea that this same tactic works on dust control during the summer.

Even when all these road safety measures are taken, a serious car wreck can occur as a result of weather conditions, and personal injury may result from the accident. If you've been hurt in a car crash on a NC road or highway and suspect it was caused by negligence or carelessness, check out our free consumer report on what you need to do immediately after the accident to help ensure you are adequately compensated for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  

JM