When most people hear “Phoenix,” they think of our brutally hot summers or our desert-like dryness. But if you have stepped outside this morning, you know that there is another side of Phoenix that can show itself at this time of year. Currently, Phoenix and many of the surrounding areas are seeing temperatures in the low to mid 30s, causing a freeze warning for all of the metro Phoenix area and much of the rest of Arizona.
Fortunately, precipitation is not expected this morning while temperatures remain low so the chances of icy roads are limited. However, officials have warned that the presence of freezing temperatures may cause unprotected pipes to burst, which in turn could lead to running or standing water on roadways. If this happens, ice is a possibility and it may lead to a very real risk of car accidents.
The current freeze warning is set to expire at 9:00 a.m. today but a meteorologist with the National Weather Service expects additional freeze warnings to be issued for both Monday and Tuesday nights this week when temperatures may drop into the upper 20s.
For now, motorists are encouraged to be aware of the chilly weather and to take appropriate action when necessary. First, realize that areas near standing or flowing water are likely to be icy and that the presence of ice will make driving very difficult, or even impossible. If you encounter ice on the roadways, avoid the area if possible. If impossible, make sure you slow your speed and increase the distance between you and any vehicles in front of you. When ice is on a roadway, it will take longer to slow or stop a vehicle than normal so the increased distance will help you avoid a rear-end car accident. Further, do not try to take any quick action or turns if ice is present as it is likely that your vehicle will have trouble gripping the road.
The air in tires will condense in colder weather which means that the air pressure will be lower than normal. If you have not checked the pressure in your tires recently, now is a good time to ensure that the pressure range is in the area indicated by the tire manufacturer so that you are as safe as possible. Underinflated tires are more likely to blow out than those that are properly inflated and also cause worse gas mileage, costing Valley drivers additional money at the pump.
Finally, know that if the cold weather leads to a car accident and if you or someone you love is injured, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. The legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. will be standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191. We offer a case consultation without cost or obligation to all those injury victims who call us and we keep everything discussed confidential.
If a car accident, truck crash, or pedestrian collision has left you wondering about your rights, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
The Real Cost of Drunk Driving in Phoenix, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 23, 2015.
Resource:
Below-freezing temperatures return to metro Phoenix, by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy, The Republic/azcentral.com, published December 27, 2015.