Low Water Bridge Rescue Reveals Infrastructure Risk
Recent events near Charlottesville show how dangerous it can be when drivers make the mistake of driving into standing water.
Early on the morning of January 7, local fire workers pulled five people from a car stranded on a low water bridge on Buck Mountain Ford Lane near Charlottesville. The story was reported in local news media including the Daily Progress and local television affiliates. The car was in at least a foot of water, according to reports.
When flooding or other factors cause water tables to rise, local roads can be inundated and dangerous to motorists. Local law enforcement or public safety crews often place road hazard warning signs, but these are not always in place directly after an area becomes flooded, and it’s essential that drivers use their best judgment.
When Do Standing Water Accidents Happen?
Many standing water accidents happen in the early hours of the morning, or the late hours of the night, when it’s difficult for motorists to see what’s in front of them. These kinds of incidents can be extremely frightening because drivers may not anticipate being plunged into a body of water, even a shallow pool.
Other kinds of standing water accidents happen when drivers deliberately try to pull through a flooded area thinking that they will be able to control the vehicle. Even a few inches of water can actually overcome the natural inertia of the vehicle, especially with strong local currents. That’s what professionals like Charlottesville car accident lawyers or law enforcement agents or officers would tell drivers not to try to cross flooded areas, even if it looks safe.
Secondary Risks of Stranded Vehicles
In some cases, standing water can actually wash a vehicle away into a nearby body of water, or cause danger for the occupants when they try to get out of the vehicle. A vehicle that becomes stalled in standing water can also be a danger to other vehicles that may not be able to stop in time to avoid collision, where Charlottesville car accident lawyers may look at these kinds of factors in a multi-car accident in the area.
With this in mind, it’s extremely important that public officials promote public awareness of flood zone and standing water dangers, and that there is a plan for putting warning signs or other precautions in place. It’s also important for drivers to be conscious and think of their responsibility to the local community before trying to take risks with their vehicles.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
If you’ve been involved in a car accident involving standing water or other roadway dangers, talk to Charlottesville car accident lawyers at Martin Wren, P.C. about your case and how to get compensation for what you face in recovery. We can help you to plan and to collect what’s needed for yourself or a family member after an unfortunate injury where others may have been responsible. Talk to us about all of the factors involved in an accident and subsequent personal injury.
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