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We understand how important it is to protect vulnerable road users, especially when visibility drops and road surfaces become hazardous. In bad weather, giving bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists more space is crucial for their safety. These road users are more vulnerable to the elements and the risks associated with reduced visibility and slippery conditions, making them harder to see and control.
St. Louis weather can turn quickly, and when it does, every driver shares a responsibility to act cautiously—not only for their own safety but for everyone on the road. Why should you give more space to bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists in bad weather? At Goldblatt + Singer, we’ve handled countless motor vehicle accident cases caused by negligent driving in dangerous weather.
Bad weather significantly increases the chances of motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. According to the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 21% of all motor vehicle crashes are weather-related, and wet pavement accounts for 70% of those incidents.
In Missouri, conditions like fog, snow, and heavy rain lead to:
For those walking, biking, or riding motorcycles, these hazards become even more dangerous due to a lack of protection and exposure to environmental elements.
You should give them extra space, slow down early, and maintain focus on the road ahead. During poor weather, extra caution can be life-saving. When the risk of a collision increases, even small actions—like checking blind spots more carefully or reducing speed near crosswalks—can prevent tragedy.
Cyclists are particularly vulnerable during storms or on icy roads. Rain can obscure reflective gear, and headlights may create glare that hides a cyclist from view. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers should always remember that cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users, and their reduced visibility in weather events means they require more consideration.
Tips for driving near cyclists in bad weather:
Pedestrians become even harder to detect during fog or nighttime storms. They might use umbrellas or hoods that limit their peripheral vision, making them slower to react. In wet or icy conditions, it may take a driver twice the distance to come to a full stop.
To reduce risks:
Motorcyclists face the double threat of low visibility and instability during adverse weather. A motorcycle can slide out more easily, especially on oily or wet roads. Additionally, rain can blur mirrors and windshields, making it even harder for drivers to notice a motorcyclist changing lanes or stopping.
Here’s what you should do:
Because bad weather reduces both reaction time and road traction, making collisions more likely. When roads are slick or visibility is compromised, driver errors can become deadly. Add in more vulnerable road users, and the margin for error nearly disappears.
Here’s why it matters:
When drivers are rushing, distracted, or overconfident in poor conditions, they’re far more likely to cause an injury. That’s why giving space—sometimes an extra few seconds or a wider berth—can prevent a life-altering accident.
Common injuries from these weather-related incidents include:
These injuries not only change lives, but they also come with significant medical bills, long recovery periods, and emotional trauma. As a firm that fights for the injured in St. Louis and across Missouri, we know how critical it is to prevent these crashes in the first place.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident involving poor weather conditions, Goldblatt + Singer can help. We fight for injured bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists throughout Missouri, ensuring you get the compensation and justice you deserve. Don’t wait—call us now for a free consultation and learn how we can protect your rights.
Jeff Singer, Managing Partner at Goldblatt + Singer for over a decade, is a seasoned personal injury attorney known for his compassionate yet tough advocacy. He has resolved hundreds of cases and recovered millions for clients. Recognized as a Missouri Super Lawyer and Top 100 National Trial Lawyer, Jeff also serves on the Missouri Bar’s Chief Disciplinary Committee and the Board of Governors for the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.
This page has been created, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our thorough editorial guidelines. It was approved by our Founding Partner, Jeffrey Singer, who has over 30 years of experience as a personal injury attorney.
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