Changing Weather Conditions Could Lead To A New Haven Bicycle Accident

When you’re out and about, whether you’re walking, running or biking through the Elm City you should be aware that there are starting to be new hazards that are developing during the fall. These hazards, that are not there during the summer months, can lead to a New Haven bicycle accident or pedestrian accident and cause you to become injured or damage your personal property.

Changes in conditions can consistently affect your ability to ride your bike safely and cause you to be put in danger of becoming hurt. Especially in New England, the weather can change at the drop of a hat and it can catch you by surprise. When this happens it can be very difficult to be prepared and find yourself in a situation that you weren’t ready for. It is for this reason that you should be thinking about the changing weather now, even though the temperatures are still warm. When they change, it will be quick and possibly unexpected and you may not be able to adjust quickly enough if you’re not ready.

Some changes in weather and road conditions can be seen with your own eyes, while others might be harder to see. In the event that conditions are difficult to see you will need to take extra caution to avoid getting into a difficult situation. Even roads that you frequent may present hazards that you weren’t expecting and therefore could put you at risk. The important thing to do is be cautious and aware of your surroundings so you do not get caught off guard.

Here are some of the changes in weather and road conditions you should be on the lookout for this fall so you do not get into an accident that will cause you to be harmed.

1.) Wet leaves falling. There is nothing more beautiful then looking at the changing colors of the trees that are around the Elm City in the fall, but when those leaves start to break off and blanket our streets and sidewalks they can become hazards. Wet leaves on a sidewalk can become a hazard that causes you to slip and fall, injuring yourself. On the road, these leaves could be covering up an unexpected pothole that could sneak up out of nowhere and cause you to be thrown from your bicycle and become injured.

2.) Black ice. This dreaded weather condition is one that cannot be seen, but it can easily be felt once you pass over it. It can be very difficult to see black ice, especially before the sun comes up in the early morning hours, but if you’re not careful you could wind up hitting a patch of ice that could cause you serious harm. The best thing to do to avoid this hazard is to keep your eyes on the road and light your path forward with either a flashlight or a headlight for your bike, in the event that you are traveling in the pre-dawn hours of the morning.

3.) Cold rain. The fall is notorious for cold rain falling. While this weather condition can make the road in front of you slick and that hazard is enough to be considered dangerous, it can also make visibility very difficult when you are riding. Riding your bike in the rain can be very difficult and when the rain is cold and coming down at a good clip it can be even more challenging to see the road in front of you. If that is the case, you may need to pull over and wait until the rain passes or take it slow so you do not get into an accident.

We are now getting into the time of year when the weather conditions are quite unpredictable and changes in conditions can lead to dangerous situations if you’re not careful. To avoid getting into a New Haven bicycle accident you will want to be prepared for anything and that includes have the right gear on as you ride as well as taking it slow when necessary so you do not cause yourself any undue stress when riding around the Elm City.

Even if an injury occurs as a result of an accident involving the weather, you may still need an experienced attorney to review your situation. Contact our office and one of our attorneys will review your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.