Category: Safety Tips

Distracted Driving and Motorcycle Crashes: Who Is At Fault?

Posted on by Bretz Injury Law

Distracted driving is one of the most common hazards on roadways nationwide. The impact that seemingly simple actions can have often goes overlooked, and it extends far beyond just using a mobile device. Nearly every action taken behind the wheel that takes a driver’s focus away from driving can be considered a distraction.

Where this is especially concerning, however, is when non-automobiles are involved. Motorcycle riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians can fall victim to distractions or distracted drivers and suffer potentially fatal consequences.

According to data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), there were 2,872 police-reported fatal crashes in 2019 that were caused by distracted drivers. Distractions were a factor in about 8% of overall motorcycle fatalities.

Motorcycle riders can be especially vulnerable to drivers becoming distracted or being inattentive to the roadway. When an automobile driver is unaware of riders on the road and is distracted, they may change lanes without checking blind spots, brake too hard, or turn in front of a rider at an intersection.

Several studies show that distracted driving is often one of the most underreported crash causes worldwide, possibly due to the fact that using a handheld electronic device while driving is illegal in most places. Along with this, many people don’t classify several other things they do behind the wheel as distractions and may not admit that they were inattentive at the time of the crash.

What is Distracted Driving?

Driving distractions fall into three categories: manual, visual, and cognitive. How they’re classified depends on how they affect the driver. A manual distraction takes one or both hands away from the wheel, a visual distraction takes eyes off the road, and a cognitive distraction diverts focus away from driving. Some examples include:

  • Manual: Changing the radio station, reaching for something on the floor, or reaching into the glovebox.
  • Visual: Texting, using the phone, looking at GPS, or looking at passengers.
  • Cognitive: daydreaming, thinking about a work schedule, or driving while tired.

It’s important to note that most distractions may be a combination of the three. Texting and driving, for example, encompasses all categories and is considered one of the most dangerous things a person can do behind the wheel.

How Can I Prove Liability?

The circumstances leading up to the crash will be the biggest indicator of who should be held liable. Was an automobile driver talking on the phone? Were they paying attention to the road and fully aware of their surroundings? It is best to get any injuries treated first and then obtain a police report. The police report should list any evidence observed by the officer and the accounts from all parties.

It is important to hire an attorney as soon as possible to start gathering evidence. There may be evidence on the road itself, like skid marks, that fade over time.

Along with this, if mobile phone use was likely a factor, your attorney may be able to request the phone records of the opposing party. Witness statements and photos/videos can also provide more context. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you obtain all of these things.

Kansas Personal Injury Attorneys

At Bretz Injury Law, we’re dedicated to improving roadway safety throughout Kansas and to holding distracted drivers accountable for injuring others. We’ve spent decades protecting the rights of injured victims and protecting their futures. Schedule your free consultation with a member of our team today by calling .

How to obtain and read a copy of your Kansas car accident report

Posted on by Bretz Injury Law

When the police respond to a crash, they conduct a comprehensive investigation and document the details in a five-page car accident report. Your Kansas car accident report is a critical piece of evidence when pursuing a claim. It can provide non-biased details pertaining to how your crash occurred.

Sometimes, the police make errors when filling out these reports. That’s why it’s important that you always review your car accident report to ensure that all information is accurate. Here’s what you’ll find in your report.

How to read your Kansas car accident report

Page 1 — basic information

The first page on your Kansas car accident report will contain the basic information pertaining to your crash. This includes:

Top section:

  • The department and officer(s) who investigated your crash
  • Date, time, location, and road type where the crash occurred
  • If the crash resulted in a fatality, injury or property damage only
  • Vehicles involved and the names and contact information of the owners
  • If the crash occurred in a work zone

Bottom section:

  • Conditions at the time of the crash (lighting, weather, surface type, and surface conditions)
  • Crash location (intersection or non-intersection), intersection type, and road features
  • Type of crash (for example, a collision with another car, pedestrian, bicyclists or fixed object)
  • If a fixed object was hit
  • What traffic controls were present at the time of the crash (if any)

Page 2 — the crash diagram

The second page of your report will include an illustrated diagram of how the police believed your crash occurred. The diagram will include:

  • The direction both cars were traveling and/or positioned at the time of the crash
  • Any intersections that were involved (both signalized and non-signalized)
  • Where damage occurred on both cars
  • Skid marks in the road

Page 3 — violations and passengers

  • The top section of page three will include violations charged or citations issued by police
  • The middle part will include information on whether a car driver or commercial truck driver was in compliance with the law. This includes:
    • Driver’s license compliance
    • Alcohol or drug impairment by type (including roadside tests that were given)
  • The bottom section will include the names and contact information of up to four passengers

Page 4 — occupants, vehicle type, and damage location

Page four of your report will include additional information pertaining to your crash. This includes:

  • Car and owner information, including contact information and insurance information
  • Whether a car was stolen, towed, driverless, legally parked or the crash was a hit-and-run
  • Types of vehicles involved (for example, car, motorcycle, or truck, etc.)
  • What each car was used for at the time of the crash (for example, taxi, police, military, or ambulance etc.)
  • Whether a car was disabled or still functional after the crash
  • Where damage occurred on each car
  • The sequence of events that led to the crash

Page 5 — the written narrative

This is where the investigating officer will provide a detailed, written narrative as to how he or she believed the crash occurred and who was at fault. This section will also include statements made by witnesses.

Click here for a visual reference to your five-page car accident report.

How to obtain your Kansas car accident report

You may obtain a copy of your Kansas car accident report online for a fee by visiting the Kansas Highway Patrol website. An experienced Kansas car accident attorney can also obtain a copy of your report. It’s absolutely critical that you review the details documented in your report. If anything is not documented accurately, the insurance company that represents the other driver can leverage it against your claim.

If any information is inaccurate, an attorney at Bretz & Young will work to fix it. We’ll also launch our own investigation to gather the evidence needed to support your claim and maximize your compensation.

Contact us online to schedule your free legal consultation.

Should seat belts be mandatory for all new Kansas school buses?

Posted on by Bretz Injury Law

School buses are the safest mode of transportation for school children, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They are highly visible — with flashing lights and stop arms that alert drivers to stop. They also include closely-spaced seats with absorbable, cushioned seatbacks.

Many states, including Kansas, don’t require seatbelts on school buses, however. While the cushioned seatbacks may help mitigate the risk of sustaining an injury in a school bus crash, they won’t protect students in a serious collision or rollover.

Several Wichita students injured in bus crash

A recent bus crash in Wichita left more than a dozen students with injuries, according to KWCH12.

The students were on their way to Topeka for a field trip. The bus driver reportedly lost control after sliding off the road and rolling into a ditch.

The bus reportedly didn’t have any seat belts on it. Several community members berated the school district on social media as a result.

Chris Charlton, an employee of Collins Bus Corporation, says that “not all states require seat belts on buses.” Collins Bus Corporation produces buses for school districts across the United States.

“Here at Collins Bus, we build all our busses custom by state spec and what the school district wants, so, for example, the state of Kansas doesn’t mandate seatbelts, but what they will do is it’s up to the school district themselves to whether they want seatbelts or not,” said Charlton.

Seatbelts currently not required on school buses

According to the National Conference of State Legislators, seat belts are required on school buses in only eight states.

The Kansas State Department of Education says that it’s not opposed to legislation that would mandate seat belts on school buses.

State lawmakers introduced legislation in 2017 that would require school districts to purchases buses with seatbelts when replacing older buses. The cost of adding seatbelts at the time was $10,000 per bus, however. Several school districts protested the bill due to the lack of funds. The bill failed to pass.

The National Transportation Safety Board previously recommended that states, “Enact legislation to require that all new large school buses be equipped with passenger lap/shoulder belts putting three-point seat belts on all new buses.”

School districts should have seatbelts installed on school buses because they:

  • Mitigate the risk of severe or fatal injuries
  • Help keep students seated and reduce driver distraction
  • Help keep students fastened during a rollover

If your child was injured in a school bus crash, the Kansas attorneys at Bretz & Young Injury Lawyers can help you recover all damages owed to you. Our legal team serves clients across the state of Kansas. Contact us online to set up your initial consultation free of charge.

How Does Kansas Rank For Distracted Driving Accidents?

Posted on by Bretz Injury Law

Have you ever traveled on a major roadway in Kansas and seen another driver looking at a cellphone? Perhaps you witnessed a close call with a distracted driver. If you suspect that distracted driving is becoming more prevalent in Kansas, you may be right.

A recent study conducted by financial website MoneyGeek identified a trend of distracted driving in states with “wide-open spaces,” as opposed to states with dense infrastructure. Kansas ranked the second-deadliest state in the nation for distracted driving — just behind New Mexico. The study compiled federal crash data from 2017-2018 — during which 6,083 deaths occurred due to distracted driving.

Kansas had an average of 3.1 traffic fatalities per billion miles driven (201 deaths). That’s 241 percent greater than the national average of 0.94. There was a slight decline in distracted-driving deaths from 2017-2018, however.

Are Kansas’s laws tough enough?

Several states have already passed laws banning all cellphone uses while driving. Kansas, however, doesn’t have these laws in place. The law only prohibits typing, reading, and sending text messages while driving. The statewide texting ban (K.S.A. 8- 15,111) doesn’t apply to law enforcement or emergency responders or during emergency situations.

The current law does, however, prohibit all cellphone uses for drivers ages 14-17. That means adult drivers can talk, browse the internet and use apps behind the wheel. There are no current rules banning drivers from holding or handling cellphones.

What counts as distracted driving?

Distracted driving includes any action that takes motorists’ attention off the task of driving. It has become a growing problem on Kansas roads with the advent of handheld technology. Distracted driving, however, doesn’t always involve cellphones. Here are some other examples:

  • Using a built-in infotainment system
  • Programming GPS navigation
  • Tuning a radio
  • Eating and drinking
  • Multitasking

People who drive distracted never expect to cause a collision. Many of them have been doing it for years and are confident in their ability to multitask. A crash can occur in the blink of an eye, however. Someone’s life is either devastated or lost as a result. Distracted driving claims more than 3,000 lives across the United States each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

That’s why the attorneys at Bretz & Young have dedicated themselves to fighting on behalf of injured motorists across the state of Kansas. If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash with a distracted driver, you can trust our experienced legal team to help you seek justice. To find out how, contact us online and schedule your free consultation.

How winter weather can catch Kansas drivers by surprise

Posted on by Bretz Injury Law

Kansas may not get as much snow as some of its neighboring states, but when it does snow here, things can get messy. On average, Kansas receives about 19 inches of snow each year.

Around mid-December, Kansas was among several states in the Midwest to get clobbered with snow and ice, according to The Weather Channel. There were 11 traffic fatalities reported across Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.

Several Kansas residents impacted by snow and ice

On the day of the storm, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported approximately 1,182 calls for service, 268 non-injury crashes, 30 injury-crashes, and one fatality within a 24-hour period.

The fatality involved a passenger in a pickup truck that lost control on an icy bridge while merging from southbound Interstate-135 to northbound I-235. The truck reportedly came to a stop after rolling over. The driver was treated for suspected minor injuries at a nearby hospital.

The Kansas Department of Transportation also reports that two of its snowplows were taken out of service after being struck. The trucks were removing snow and ice from the roads during both incidents.

In February 2019, we discussed how the fluctuating weather conditions can take drivers by surprise during the winter months. The number of drivers stranded and injured in the December snowstorm is an example of why it’s important that drivers be prepared for inclement weather conditions.

Tips for staying safe during winter weather conditions

It’s best to avoid traveling altogether during snowy and icy conditions. For those who must travel, however, the National Weather Service in Wichita offers these tips to stay safe when winter weather strikes:

  • Accelerate slowly.
  • Reduce speed when snow accumulates on roads.
  • Use caution when driving in conditions of poor visibility.
  • Allow additional time and distance to stop at intersections.
  • Be cautious of black ice on bridges and overpasses.
  • Never use cruise control on slick roadways.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are approximately 1.2 million weather-related crashes each year in the United States. Roughly 18 percent of those crashes occur during snowfall or sleet, 16 percent occur on snow-covered roads, and 13 percent occur during icy conditions.

Crashes are often caused by drivers who:

  • Drive too fast or slow for conditions
  • Drive with poorly maintained tires
  • Fail to clear their cars of snow and ice
  • Drive recklessly or tailgate
  • Navigate curves and turns too fast

Safety should be the number one priority this winter, not speed. Drivers are expected to allow themselves plenty of time to reach their destinations. Should you or a loved one be injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior, Bretz & Young Injury Lawyers urge you to take legal action as soon as possible.

Your medical bills, time away from work, and other damages should not have to be paid out of your own pocket. That’s where our experienced Kansas car accident attorneys come in. Our legal team has dedicated itself to fighting on behalf of injured motorists. To find out how we can help you, contact us online for a free consultation.

Why do dangerous X-Lite guardrails still remain on Kansas roads?

Posted on by Bretz Injury Law

Guardrails are a common sight on major Kansas roads and highways. They prevent roadway departures near steep declines, bodies of water, critical roadside structures, ditches, and trees.

While collisions with guardrails can be catastrophic, they are supposed to help prevent severe or fatal crashes. One particular guardrail manufacturer has come under legal fire in recent years due to defective end terminals.

Manufacturer of X-Lite guardrails comes under legal fire

Several states have banned X-Lite guard rails, according to KSN. The manufacturer, Lindsay Transportation Solutions, had roughly 14,000 guardrails installed on roadways across 29 states in 2017.

The X-Lite guardrails were blamed for at least nine fatal crashes across the United States. The end terminals on all guardrails supposed to be designed  to collapse or telescope to prevent piercing through a car. The X-Lite guardrails have not done soon multiple occasions, however.

While several states have recently removed them, X-Lite guardrails still remain on Kansas roads in 38 different places. According to state records:

  • 27 are located on roads run by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).
  • 11 are operated by the Kansas Turnpike Authority.

KSN spoke to the wife of one motorist who was killed in a crash involving an X-Lite guardrail. His death occurred in 2017 while traveling to Cincinnati, Ohio from Overland Park, Kansas.

The crash reportedly occurred on a clear morning when his truck went off the road and collided head-on with the end terminal of the X-Lite guardrail. Rather than telescoping or collapsing, the end-terminal pierced through his vehicle, causing him to be thrown from the back windshield. He suffered an amputated leg, a laceration to his torso, and died at the scene of the crash.

What actions are being taken to save lives?

KSN reached out to Lindsay Transportation Solutions to request an on-camera interview, but the company declined. Instead, the company issued this response:

“The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has examined and re-examined the X-LITE and its in-service performance and has gathered input from state departments of transportation across the United States. In FHWA’s evaluations, the X-LITE has performed consistently with other end terminals on U.S. roads and highways and did not lead to any conclusion that the X-Lite was unsafe. Numerous states, including Kansas, have confirmed that they’ve had no negative experiences with the X-LITE.”

Transportation officials from KDOT assured KSN that they stopped using X-Lite guardrails on new projects, but don’t have a plan to promptly remove existing ones.

After reaching out to several Kansas lawmakers (most of whom were on a transportation committee), KSN received a response from Rep. K.C. Ohaebosim, D-Wichita, who agreed to partake in an on-camera interview.

“We are going to do everything possible to make sure we change these guardrails out on our Kansas roads and now that will actually be taken up in our transportation committee,” said Ohaebosim.

According to Ohaebosim, taking action to remove all X-Lite guardrails in Kansas could take some time.

What should I do if I was injured or lost a loved one?

If you sustained serious injuries or lost a loved one due to a crash with a defective guardrail, the car accident attorneys at Bretz & Young Injury Lawyers can take legal action on your behalf.

We’ll work tirelessly to investigate your crash and hold ALL the negligent parties accountable, including looking for responsible parties and their insurers where many might not think to look. For your convenience we have seven offices across the state of Kansas. Contact us online or call 866-881-0103 to schedule your free consultation.

Kansas Attorneys Offer Best Ideas to Prevent Crashes in School Zo

Posted on by Bretz Injury Law

Students throught Kansas recently went back to school. That means a sharp rise in child pedestrians and bicyclists, increased traffic in school zones, and school buses that make frequent stops. Many drivers, however, are still adjusting to the change.

The greatest risk children face at the beginning of the school year is in school zones and at bus stops. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 264 fatalities across the United States related to school transportation. Approximately 203 of those deaths involved children walking, waiting at a bus stop, riding a bicycle or riding in a car.

What can be done to reduce crash risks in school zones?

Last month, the Wichita Police Department teamed up with the American Automobile Association (AAA) to raise awareness of school zone safety, according to KWCH12. This effort involved placing signs around Wichita elementary schools warning drivers to slow down. The signs read “School’s open. Drive carefully.” According to AAA, this effort is conducted each year in conjunction with Wichita Public Schools.

“We actually do this every year around back-to-school time to make drivers aware that kids are going to be back on the roads,” says Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. “Be extra careful. Be extra vigilant of those kids.”

Wichita Police Sgt. Steve Yarberry also warns drivers to be cautious in areas where kids are walking, especially around crosswalks.

“You’ve got kids all over the place around schools,” Yarberry says. “They’re running out in front of traffic.”

Many of the crosswalks in Wichita school zones are equipped with flashing lights to alert drivers to slow down or stop. Unfortunately, according to Yarberry, some drivers choose to disregard these flashing lights.

“You’ll see the lights start flashing and people speed up to try to beat it because they don’t want to sit there for the red,” Yarberry said.

In addition, Yarberry warns that it’s common for drivers to pass school buses, even when the stop arm is extended and the red lights are flashing.

Shockingly, FOX4KC.com reports that more than 1,000 Kansas drivers have ignored school bus stop arms during a one-day test conducted in April 2019. Since the test only involved three-quarters of Kansas school districts, that number is likely much greater. State law requires that drivers stop in both directions when a school bus has its stop arm extended.

What can you do to stay safe?

Crashes in school zones are preventable when drivers, students, and parents become aware of the potential risks. The NHTSA offers some tips on how crashes can be prevented:

  • Ensure that a child arrives at a school bus five minutes early, remains five steps away from the curb, and only boards the bus when it is safe to do so.
  • Ensure that children under the age of 10 are accompanied by an adult or guardian.
  • Encourage walkers to always use sidewalks and crosswalks when available.
  • If no sidewalks are available, walkers should stay on the edge of the road facing traffic.
  • Walkers should avoid distractions and look both ways if no crosswalk is available.
  • Bicyclists should always wear properly fitted helmets, avoid distractions (such as electronic devices and headphones), and ride in the same direction cars are traveling.
  • Teen drivers are expected to keep distracting items out of reach and avoid risky driving behavior.
  • All other drivers must reduce their speed, be prepared to stop, and stay attentive.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a school zone crash because of someone else’s reckless or careless behavior, speak to an experienced Kansas attorney at Bretz & Young Injury Lawyers and find out what legal options are available to you. You can schedule your free consultation today by contacting us online.

Best Ideas to Avoid Bicycle-Related Traffic Deaths on Kansas Roads

Posted on by Bretz Injury Law

Route 66 is an American staple that many tourists and historians have romanticized about for nearly a century. During its prime, it was once congested with motor vehicles, dotted with gas stations, and full of roadside charm.

Once dubbed “Bloody 66,” however, the iconic roadway – which stretches from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA – has seen countless fatal accidents over the years.

As more drivers prefer the convenience of nearby Interstate 44, some parts of Route 66 have become an attraction for bicyclists, particularly throughout Kansas and Missouri. Since the historic route is nearly a century old, its outdated infrastructure puts bicyclists at risk of being struck by speeding or inattentive drivers.

The dangers bicyclists face

A small stretch of Route 66 runs through the southeast corner of Kansas, where a bicyclist was fatally struck by a jeep in February. The accident occurred at night, when the bicyclist was crossing the highway. Only a year earlier, two German bicyclists were killed in a fatal traffic accident after being hit from behind by a minivan.

The factors that led to both accidents are unknown, but The Geeky Cyclist identifies the dangers that bicyclists may face on Route 66 and any other roadway. These include:

  • Rear-end accidents: Poor visibility and reckless driving are the most common causes of rear-end accidents with bicycles.
  • Driver doesn’t see rider: Sometimes obstacles in the road and merging lanes can put bicyclists in the path of moving vehicles. These accidents are often caused when drivers fail to pay attention to bicyclists.
  • The right hook: Intersections are dangerous for bicyclists due to turning vehicles. For example, a bicyclist could be injured by a right-turning vehicle while passing a side street. This can happen when a vehicle either turns in front of or strikes a bicyclist. Poor judgment of a bicyclist’s speed is often the cause of this type of crash.
  • The right cross: Like the right hook, this type of accident occurs when a vehicle turns right off a side street directly in the path of a bicyclist. The same type of accident can occur when a driver makes a left turn.

Your legal recourse after a bicycle accident

Bicycle accidents often come without warning. When a crash occurs, it’s usually always due to driver negligence. That’s why it’s always important to take photos of the crash scene (if you’re able to) and obtain contact information from witnesses. An experienced Kansas bicycle accident attorney can take care of the rest.

Being struck by a careless driver can be a frustrating and overwhelming ordeal. That’s why the legal team at Bretz & Young Injury Lawyers would like to speak to you, review your case, and explore your legal options. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

Can 3D Crosswalks Prevent Pedestrian Accidents? Kansas Attorneys Discuss

Posted on by Bretz Injury Law

Pedestrian accidents happen far too often throughout the state of Kansas, especially in large cities such as Wichita. Unlike drivers in cars, pedestrians don’t have vehicle frames, airbags, and seatbelts protecting them. Injuries sustained in these accidents are often serious and potentially even fatal. 

Pedestrians are often struck by distracted drivers, speeders, reckless drivers or drunk drivers. Many crosswalk markings in the road are ignored and even faded. That’s why one Kansas community has devised a new and creative way to improve the safety of pedestrians. 

Kansas’s first 3D crosswalk

City crews in Kansas City, Kansas recently installed a 3D crosswalk that appear to be floating, according to fox4kc.com. While the painted crosswalk might look pleasing, it may also serve another purpose –  improving pedestrian safety.  

City Traffic Engineer Lideana Laboy says, “We’ve been working with this neighborhood about improving safety because there are a lot of kids that play around here, and they want to keep the speed low.” The optical illusion design was inspired by a similar design in Iceland. 

The purpose, according to Laboy, is to “bring the attention to the driver that this is a crossing location, and for pedestrians, we want them to know this is where you should cross the street to be safe.” 

The 3D crosswalk was installed at the intersection of Augusta and Northridge Drive in Kansas City’s west end, which has a 30-mph speed limit. One resident says the speed limit isn’t enough, particularly because blind curves and hills can make it difficult for drivers to see what’s ahead of them. Additionally, a school at the top of the hill may be difficult for drivers to see, putting children at risk of being struck. 

Plans to install more 3D crosswalks will depend on input from residents. 

Injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our law firm 

We applaud the work of city crews in KCK and hope that this creative solution will be an inspiration for other communities to take steps to protect pedestrians. That being said, while 3D crosswalks may increase drivers’ awareness of pedestrians, accidents may still occur. Some drivers may fail to see the 3D design due to distraction, intoxication or falling asleep at the wheel. 

If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident in Kansas, you need a strong legal advocate on your side. The attorneys at Bretz & Young have seen the devastation a pedestrian accident can cause to victims and their families. We are dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable and helping injury victims seek the justice they deserve. We also have the case results to prove it. Contact us today to find out how we can help you. 

Wet Roads Raise the Risk of an Auto Accident: A Kansas Attorney Discusses

Posted on by Bretz Injury Law

Rain leads to more car accidents than any other inclement weather

According to recent data released from AAA Kansas, rain causes more auto accidents than any other weather condition. Roughly 68% percent of weather-related auto accidents (or 518,000) each year are caused by rain-washed roads. That is more than weather-related accidents caused by sleet, snow, and fog combined.

“Rain significantly impacts driving conditions – from visibility to traction and stopping time,” AAA Kansas spokeswoman Jennifer Haugh said in a statement. “But often, motorists don’t make the needed adjustments to their driving habits or address simple maintenance items on their vehicles that can make driving on rain-slickened roadways much safer.”

Safety tips when driving in the rain

  • Slow down: Wet roads can spell disaster, especially if you lose control of your car. The slower you drive, the easier it is to maintain control of your car, and the more time you have to react to hazards in the road.
  • Keep your distance: When on the road, leave more space between you and the car in front of you. That way, you have plenty of time to slow to a complete stop.
  • Watch for standing water: When water accumulates on the road, it can cause hydroplaning. This occurs when a car tire loses contact with the ground and drives on top of water lying on the road instead. If your car starts hydroplaning, immediately take your foot off the gas, turn on your hazard lights, and keep the wheel straight. Using cruise control also increases the risk of hydroplaning.
  • Find higher ground: If your vehicle is caught in a sudden buildup of water, leave your car and get to higher ground, if it is safe to do so. Your safety is much more important than your car.
  • Stick to the middle: If you are on a road with more than one lane, avoid outer lanes. Water tends to accumulate more on the edges of a road. When possible, stick to the center.

The Kansas car accident lawyers at Bretz & Young Injury Lawyers have seen how devastating weather-related accidents can be. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact us for a free case evaluation.