11 Jul How Arizona’s Weather Conditions Lead to Unique Collision Risks
While Arizona weather is typically pretty predictable, we still sometimes aren’t prepared for certain weather conditions. For instance, in monsoon season, high winds and heavy rains can come on suddenly, causing dangerous driving conditions and an increased risk of accident or collision.
At National Auto Collision Centers, we are always prepared to provide fast, quality auto repair service if your vehicle was damaged by weather conditions or in a collision. Here is a look at how Arizona’s unique weather conditions can lead to an increased risk of automotive collisions.
Monsoon Season
Monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, brings highly unpredictable weather. One of the biggest dangers to Arizona drivers is flash flooding. Because monsoon storms come on so quickly and the rain is so hard and heavy, they can fill up canyons, underpasses, and dry riverbeds and cause flooding. If you’re not prepared and are driving through a high-risk area, or if you try to cross a flooded area in your vehicle, you’re at risk of stalling or even being washed away. Sudden rain storms also affect visibility and can make the road slippery, which further increases the risk of an accident.
Dust Storms
Dust storms are a huge driving hazard in Arizona, especially on the freeways. Because Arizona is so dry, even a slight wind can blow up all of the dust along the roadways, obstructing visibility and leading to collisions. Dust storms are also common during monsoon season when high winds are more likely.
Surprise Hail or Snow
While it doesn’t happen often in southern Arizona, cities in northern Arizona regularly get snow. Snow and ice can make driving very dangerous, especially for visitors or people who don’t have the right type of vehicle or tires for the weather. Southern Arizona also has gotten surprise snow flurries a few times in the past decade, as well as surprise hail. Hail can be incredibly damaging to vehicles, and can also cause an accident or collision, especially if you weren’t expecting a hailstorm and aren’t prepared.
Extreme Heat
The Arizona heat is often overlooked as a contributor to vehicle problems and accidents. However, as the temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, your vehicle will experience added wear and tear. Crucial components can be damaged or destroyed by the heat, and you’re at a greater risk of an overheating engine, battery failure, and tire blowouts. These problems can lead to an accident, especially if you’re traveling at high speeds or on the freeway. Plus, along with the high temperatures in the summer, there is also increased glare from the sun that can make it hard to see and increase the risk of a collision.
The best ways to reduce your risk of a weather-related car accident is to be as prepared as possible, perform regular vehicle inspections and maintenance, drive carefully and defensively, and avoid driving in extreme conditions. If you do get into a collision or accident, our auto technicians at National Auto Collision Centers can help. We offer major and minor auto and collision damage repair, auto body repair, dent repair, and paint jobs. We also offer towing to one of our service centers, and can help you get a rental car or loaner vehicle while yours is being repaired. Call us today or contact us online to schedule an appointment for auto service and repairs in Tucson, AZ.