• 25
  • January
    2012

A chain-reaction truck accident led two 18-wheelers to crash into each other, leaving one overturned against the median on I-75 after one vehicle hydroplaned into the median and struck another car to begin the series of events that would close three lanes of I-75 earlier this week. The driver of the car that hydroplaned was cited by police for the crash.

One person involved in the Atlanta truck accident was injured. Emergency crews on the scene spent most of their time securing the load of the overturned truck; it was carrying almost 9,000 pounds of propane.

As the Georgia weather continues to change, drivers of all types of motor vehicles should be aware of the warning signs, weather conditions related to and dangers of hydroplaning. Regardless of the road conditions, all drivers are expected to remain in control of their car at all times. Failing to do so can cause serious injury in a related motor vehicle crash.

Information on Hydroplaning for Atlanta Drivers

A car can hydroplane on any wet surface. If the tire is unable to channel water away out from beneath the tire, a thin film of water may separate the tire tread from the roadway. Hydroplaning can occur at anytime, but is more likely during the first 10 minutes of a rain shower.

When a car is hydroplaning, it essentially is riding on top of the water on the road. The tires of the car are not in contact with the road's surface. Hydroplaning all but eliminates a driver's ability to control a car because the steering and braking response of the car is diminished. Drivers may notice the lack of control as an indication that they are hydroplaning or may notice the slight tug of the tires contacting the road surface once the hydroplaning has stopped.

There are a few basic ways to avoid hydroplaning and related motor vehicle accidents like the multi-car-truck crash on I-75. Good tire maintenance -- keeping your tires properly inflated and rotating and replacing tires on a timely basis -- can decrease the likelihood of hydroplaning. Avoid standing water or lanes where water seems to be accumulating. If possible, driving in the tire tracks of the car in front of you can help as well.

Most importantly, if road or weather conditions do not appear safe, or you do not feel comfortable driving in them, stay home or find alternate transportation.

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "I-75 re-opens in Cobb County," 23 January 2012