Alabama is situated in an area of the country that experiences a wide variety of weather conditions throughout the year. From severe thunderstorms in the spring to tropical systems in the summer and fall, the state sees more than its fair share of hazardous weather. These weather events can significantly impact road conditions and visibility, increasing the risks for all drivers, including bus drivers. In this article, we’ll examine the unique challenges bus drivers face during inclement weather in Alabama and review some of the most common weather-related contributing factors in bus crashes in the state.
How Weather Impacts Driving Conditions in Alabama
Bus drivers are responsible for the safety of dozens of passengers, so navigating hazardous road conditions requires extra care and caution. Here are some of the ways weather impacts driving conditions for buses in Alabama:
Reduced Visibility
Heavy rain, dense fog, and snowstorms can dramatically reduce visibility on Alabama’s roads. With larger vehicles like buses, these conditions make it harder for drivers to see obstacles, traffic signals, and other vehicles around them. Sudden reductions in visibility increase the risks of crashes.
Slippery Road Surfaces
When it rains heavily in Alabama, oil and debris on the roads can create slippery conditions. These hazards are amplified for larger vehicles like buses that take longer to slow down and stop. Flooding can also make roads impassable. Icy conditions during Alabama winters also increase slide-offs and loss of control.
Strong Winds
Thunderstorms, tropical systems, and winter storms bring high winds to Alabama. These winds can blow debris onto roads or even push vehicles off course, especially lighter buses and school buses. Strong crosswinds make it harder for bus drivers to maintain control.
Driver Fatigue
Treacherous weather often forces bus drivers to concentrate harder and drive more cautiously. This can accelerate fatigue, especially on longer trips. Drowsy or fatigued driving dramatically increases accident risks.
Most Common Weather Factors in Alabama Bus Crashes
Examining bus accident statistics in Alabama reveals some clear weather-related trends:
Hydroplaning Accidents
Hydroplaning, or losing traction and sliding on a wet road surface, is a leading cause of single-vehicle bus crashes in Alabama. These accidents often occur when driving too fast for conditions. Rollover risks increase if the bus leaves the roadway.
Reduced Visibility Crashes
Multi-vehicle accidents are more common in rain, fog, or snow when visibility is low. Bus drivers may not see stopped traffic ahead or vehicles changing lanes. Similarly, other motorists may fail to see buses in low visibility.
Slide-Offs in Ice and Snow
Icy winter weather contributes to loss of control accidents, especially slide-offs and rollovers. These accidents spike when roads are unexpectedly icy or snow-covered. Rural roads are especially hazardous.
Wind-Related Crashes
Strong winds occasionally push buses off the road or into other lanes. Crosswinds are also a factor in lane-change and merge accidents for buses.
Tropical Weather Accidents
The heavy rain and strong winds of tropical storms increase hydroplaning and reduced visibility risks. Flooding can also wash out road surfaces.
Drowsy Driving Crashes
Lengthy trips during inclement weather are a factor in drowsy driving bus crashes. Fatigued drivers may not react in time to avoid accidents.
Bus Driver Safety Tips for Alabama Weather Hazards
Managing the risks of driving a bus in hazardous weather comes down to preparation, awareness, and driving defensively:
- Check weather forecasts before trips and consider delaying driving if severe storms are expected.
- Slow down, allow longer following distance, and increase scanning to compensate for reduced visibility.
- Avoid hard braking or turning if roads are slippery. Use gentle acceleration and deceleration.
- Watch for wind gusts and hydroplaning when driving through rain or standing water.
- Equip buses with snow chains during winter weather when necessary.
- Take extra rest breaks on long trips during bad weather to minimize fatigue.
- Follow state and local travel advisories during tropical storms or blizzards. Delay travel until conditions improve.
- Report any unsafe road conditions or weather issues to dispatch.
Staying alert to changing weather and driving cautiously and defensively will help bus drivers minimize accident risks and keep passengers safe. But if you or a loved one are injured in an Alabama bus accident, you may be due compensation to help cover the costs of your injuries.
Contact the experienced injury attorneys at Monge & Associates for a free case review at (888) 477-0597. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Alabama, Maryland, and Kansas, our legal team can help you understand your options and protect your rights after any motor vehicle crash. Safe travels!