weather-related accidents

Raging storms lashed Atlanta and much of north Georgia over the weekend, and several accidents were traced to the poor weather, including one fatal car accident that left one man dead.

Pickens County resident, Raymond Jones was killed when a tree fell on a car on Nacoochee Drive in Atlanta. The car quickly caught fire, and Jones was killed at the scene. Across metro Atlanta, trees and power lines collapsed, creating scenes that were ripe for automobile accidents. Other accidents were reported from Cobb County where a car was struck by a falling tree. Forsyth County saw several boats damaged during the storm, and a collapsed dock. However, there were no serious accidents reported. Power outages were widespread across North Georgia, and with a forecast of more rain in the next couple of days, we can expect the bad weather to continue.

Driving in adverse conditions is one of the most series challenges for a motorist. The existing problems involved in negotiating heavy traffic and avoiding pedestrians and bicyclists, are only compounded when you have to deal with strong winds, heavy rains, snowfall, hail or fog. Wet and slippery road can leave vehicles at risk for skidding accidents or rollovers that can lead to serious injuries. Howling winds and the sound of the rain can make it harder for a motorist to hear the horns of other drivers nearby. Water on the road can spray on the windshields of other vehicles nearby, impacting their ability to see clearly. The risk of hydroplaning increases when you are driving at excessive speeds on a wet highway. When there is excessive water on the road and you are driving at 55 mph – which could be the normal posted speed limit on the road – you run the risk of the tires losing contact with the road surface.

Twelve people were injured this week in Houston County when lightning struck at an outdoor middle school football game.One adult is in critical condition.Lightning struck while crowds were evacuating the stands.

As school has resumed, outdoor athletic events are taking place during what has been an excessive storm season.When storms threaten, school officials and coaches must not let their desire to compete in the sport override crowd and player safety.

Each year many people are killed or injured due to misinformation and inappropriate conduct during thunderstorms.Lightning casualties have increased at sporting events and for children of school age.Most of this trend is related to outdoor sporting activities.Hence, schools and other sports organizations need to develop specific policies for lightning safety at sports events.