Weather is a real danger to drivers. Whether it’s the hottest day of late or a total downpour, all weather poses a threat of some kind to drivers.

Take for example a sunny day. The sun shining has the potential to reflect off objects and temporarily blind drivers. Those drivers, unable to see, could end up causing a crash.

Likewise, rain is a true threat. It gathers on the roads, begins to wash away oils and can make the roads slick. As the roads become slicker, drivers have a harder time stopping. This could result in rear-end collisions, accidents at intersections and other serious crashes.

Between 2005 and 2014, around 1,259,000 crashes involves hazardous weather around the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. These crashes make up around 22 percent of the crashes that took place during that time period, a number high enough to draw real attention to the risks weather poses.

Drivers need to understand how to stay safe in ever-changing weather conditions. Some of the most common dangers include fog, wet pavement, sleet, icy pavement and snow. Any of these conditions could make the roads more dangerous than usual and put your life at risk.

What can drivers do to stay safe?

Remember that the weather is always a challenge and plan accordingly. If you’re not comfortable driving in snow or on ice, consider taking a driving course for those conditions. Understanding your vehicle’s capabilities and your skill level may help you avoid causing or being involved in a crash caused by weather in the future.

Source: Weather.com, “Weather-Related Car Accidents Far More Deadly Than Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Floods,” Chris Dolce, accessed Feb. 16, 2018