Deputies in Bishop Respond to Two Accidents in the Span of 15 Minutes

Wet weather caused two single-vehicle accidents in a short period of time in South Texas. On April 27th, deputies from the Nueces County Constable Precinct 3 responded to two accidents near Bishop.

The first accident happened at approximately 10:15 a.m. A car traveling east in the area of County Road 70 and County Road 71 hydroplaned across the road after the driver lost control. The vehicle hit a light pole and ended up in a ditch. The impact caused the light pole to fall onto the road.

The second accident happened at around 10:30 a.m. near County Road 12 and U.S. Highway 77. In this incident, a compact gray car traveling south hydroplaned and ended up crossing the median before facing northbound.

There were no injuries reported in either case. The investigation is ongoing.

Keeping Control if Your Car Hydroplanes

Hydroplaning is when water breaks the traction between your tires and the road. Without this traction, your car won’t respond to attempts to steer or brake as it should. 

While tires do have treads to help channel water away from the road surface, it is possible for there to be too much water under your tires. This can lead to a break in contact between the tires and road, and suddenly your car will begin sliding on its own.    

One of the best ways to help prevent hydroplaning is to replace worn tires. Low tread typically means less grip and worn tires also struggle to channel water away from the bottom of the wheel. 

The most dangerous time to drive is during the first 10 minutes or so of light rain. The oil on the road surface will combine with the water and make for a slippery roadway.

If you must drive in rainy weather, there are steps you can take to help avoid hydroplaning: 

• Don’t try to make sharp turns
• Reduce your speed
• Ensure your tires have good tread and are fully inflated
• Avoid any standing water
• Try to stick to the middle lanes where the roadway will be highest
• Don’t use cruise control
• Brake more gently to retain control
• If you can, drive in the tracks left by other cars
• If you have a manual transmission, use a lower gear

The Villalobos Law Firm Is Here for You

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident do not hesitate to reach out to the team at Villalobos Law Firm to obtain the legal support you deserve. We treat each of our clients like family and will fight for you like our own. Reach out today to request your case evaluation. 

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Source: South Texas Community News