During the spring and summer months, there are times when certain parts of the country see very heavy rainfall. For some, this weather is a relief from hot temperatures and welcomed for other reasons, but rain also poses various threats. In fact, heavy rain increases the odds of traffic accidents, including pedestrian accidents.
Many people do not walk in the rain, but there are a number of reasons why pedestrians find themselves near traffic during periods of heavy rainfall and other types of inclement weather. It is especially crucial for pedestrians to watch out and protect themselves during these times.
Unexpected storms
Sometimes, heavy rain hits with little warning. Some people anticipate moderate rainfall and decide to walk with an umbrella, but they are then caught off-guard when it begins to pour heavily. In fact, even relatively moderate rainfall increases the odds of traffic accidents and pedestrian accidents, and this weather often comes as a surprise to drivers and pedestrians who were not expecting precipitation.
Risks
Rain not only makes it more difficult for drivers to control their vehicles, but it also presents major concerns with respect to visibility. When it is raining heavily, drivers have more difficulty seeing pedestrians and many assume that nobody is walking during poor weather. Unfortunately, pedestrians who are struck by vehicles face many obstacles on their road to recovery, from physical and emotional issues to financial problems. Recovering from a pedestrian accident is essential and victims need to take a thorough look at all options, including the possibility of filing a lawsuit. Our law firm covers more on our blog.