San Jose and Monterey Car Accidents Increase Due to El Nino Storms

The number of car accidents in the San Jose and Monterey areas have increased due to recent storms caused be El Nino. It is well known that inclement weather causes increased motor vehicle accidents. According to the website usclimatedata.com, California historically experiences the most rainfall between December to February.

This is expected to be one of the wettest winter seasons in years. In the past two weeks alone, the Monterey and San Jose areas have been hammered by storms. These storms result in dangerous driving conditions.

The increase in car accidents during storms is easy to explain. First, the roadways become wet which can increase the stopping time of vehicles as tires no longer have the same coefficient of friction that they normally have with a dry surface.  Second, rainwater can cause other liquid substances, such as motor oil, to rise to the surface of a roadway creating a slick and dangerous condition. Third, visibility is reduced due to precipitation, darkened lighting conditions, wiper blades and surface rainwater splatter. Fourth, excessive rain can cause puddling which causes drivers to hydroplane and lose controls of their vehicles. Fifth, California drivers have less experience driving in inclement weather than they do in fair weather conditions.

The above factors result in an increase in motor vehicle accidents. Drivers should take caution when driving when it is raining or when the roadways are wet. However, even if you take caution, avoiding a car accident may be impossible because of the negligence of other drivers. If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident, that was due to the fault of another, contact the Piccuta Law Group today. One of our attorneys is available to discuss your case and provide you with a free case evaluation.