With the passing of the second anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, New Jersey avoided any reprise of that disastrous experience, but that doesn’t mean lesser weather events cannot lead to catastrophic accidents on the roads and highways throughout the state.
Winter weather conditions typically result in warnings and advisories to use caution when driving. But even seemingly less threatening conditions, like the heavy rain that struck New Jersey last weekend can increase the risk for motorists.
A man from Turnersville was killed over the weekend, during that rain, when his vehicle spun out of control and into the path of an oncoming SUV. The crash was severe, and he was pronounced dead at the accident scene.
Heavy rain can be dangerous at highway speeds, and all drivers need to be reminded of the threat of hydroplaning. This happens when there is sufficient rain on the road to lift the tires off the surface. This can lead to the sudden loss of directional control and send a vehicle crashing off the road.
This time of year is a good time to have your mechanic check out your tires and replace them, as worn tires with little tread remaining can increase the chances of hydroplaning and greatly reduce your ability to safety stop your vehicle in an emergency situation.
This can be critical once the temperature drops and frost, snow or ice adheres to the road surface. Spinning out of control is very dangerous for any vehicle, as you could run off the road and strike objects like guardrails, bridge supports, utility poles and trees.
If there had been no vehicles in the other lane, this man might have merely slide into the ditch, and only suffered a delay in his travel. But you never get to pick your accident scene.
Nj.com, “Turnersville man, 18, killed in Washington Township car accident on Fish Pond Road,” Greg Adomaitis, South Jersey Times, November 1, 2014
