(702) 857-6000Do You Know How to Drive in Wildfire Smoke?
Las Vegas residents may want to exercise caution before venturing outside. The Clark County Department of Environment and Sustainability has issued an alert. It is for smoke and ozone due to wildfire smoke drifting in from neighboring California. This smoke is harmful to your lungs and can cause dangerous driving conditions.
Do you know how to handle wildfire smoke on the road? Read on for our tips on How to drive in wildfire smoke.
We hope the below discussion helps you safely navigate the smoky conditions. If you are involved in a car accident that is not your fault, contact an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will help to protect your rights and ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Anthem Injury Lawyers in Las Vegas has a dedicated team of attorneys and staff ready to help you win your personal injury case. Insurance companies are not motivated to pay you significant compensation. You need an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer to fight for your rights. Our personal injury lawyers offer over 25 years of experience winning compensation in personal injury cases. Your choice of a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer is one of the most consequential decisions you will ever make. Some well-meaning people may tell you that you don’t need a car accident lawyer. Don’t go it alone—make the right choice and have our experienced Las Vegas car accident attorneys put our knowledge and expertise to work for you, so you can receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Not every attorney in Las Vegas is able to provide you with the necessary expertise and experience to put you in the best position to win your car accident case. It is important to select a Las Vegas car accident lawyer who has a winning track record in cases like yours. That’s exactly what you will get when you choose Anthem Injury Lawyers. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to schedule a free consultation.
What Is Causing The Smoky Conditions?
Are you wondering about the cause of the smoky conditions? According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there are 108 active large fires in the United States. The following states are currently reporting large fires:
- Alaska (10)
- Arizona (1)
- California (11)
- Colorado (1)
- Idaho (20)
- Minnesota (1)
- Montana (24)
- Nebraska (1)
- Nevada (1)
- New Mexico (1)
- Oregon (17)
- South Dakota (1)
- Utah (1)
- Washington (15)
- Wyoming (3)
The smoke from the above fires can drift due to wind and weather conditions, impacting the air quality in neighboring states. If there are fires in or around Nevada, then Las Vegas may suffer from smoky conditions.
How To Drive in Wildfire Smoke
Now that you know where the smoke is coming from, you need to know how to drive in wildfire smoke. The safest choice you can make when there is wildfire smoke is to not drive. If you choose to drive, read the below tips for driving in wildfire smoke.
Avoid Fires
If you are driving, avoid areas with active wildfires. Driving near fires is dangerous and can be deadly. If you unexpectedly encounter a wildfire on the road, remain in your vehicle. Do not proceed on a road where there are wildfires.
Check the Roads
You can always check road conditions on your route before your trip. If there is smoke in the area, there may be wildfires as well. These conditions can impact road closures and visibility. You can call 511 for real time road conditions. Remember, road conditions can change based on your destination and route.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Smoke is dangerous to your health. Smoke can also be dangerous to your car’s health. You should prepare your vehicle before you drive in smoke. How do you prepare your vehicle? Use the tips below:
- Check the car’s air filters. Clogged or dirty filters are less effective.
- Put gas in your car. Hazy and smoky conditions can impact travel. Having a full tank of gas helps to avoid trip interruptions.
- Check all of your fluid levels. Inspect your coolant, windshield washer liquid, brake fluid, automatic transmission and power steering fluids.
- Maintain your tires. Check your tire pressure, tread, and balance, alignment.
- Be prepared for an emergency. Pack an emergency supply kit.
Prepare Yourself
Driving in wildfire smoke can impact both your mental and physical health. Your safest option is to stay indoors. If you do venture out in your vehicle, prepare yourself for the immediate health effects that can come from breathing in smoke, including:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing normally
- Stinging eyes
- A scratchy throat
- Runny nose
- Irritated sinuses
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- An asthma attack
- Tiredness
- Fast heartbeat
COVID-19
Wildfire smoke may also increase your risk for contracting COVID-19. The following organizations just completed a study on wildfire smoke and COVID-19:
- Center for Genomic Medicine at the Desert Research Institute
- Washoe County Health District
- Renown Health
The study found the following:
- A 17.7 percent rise in COVID-19 cases after a prolonged 2020 wildfire smoke event in Reno, Nevada.
Drive Smart
Driving in smoke can be stressful. Use the following steps to keep yourself safe on the road:
- Turn on your headlights. Smoke reduces visibility. Headlights will help others on the road see you.
- Roll up the windows. Change the fan setting to recirculate.
- Proceed with caution. Drive slowly and stay alert for other drivers.
- Do not tailgate. Give yourself and other drivers plenty of space. Maintain a safe stopping distance between you and other vehicles.
- Look out for animals. Fires force animals to leave their habitats and animals may end up on the road.
- Drive sober. Never drive after consuming alcohol and/or drugs.
- Pay attention. Put down your cell phone and focus on the road.
- Wear a seat belt. Wearing a seat belt is the most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.
Unfortunately, even the smartest driver can be involved in a car accident while driving in wildfire smoke. Get the legal experience you need when facing third parties who are not motivated to help you receive the compensation you deserve as a Las Vegas car accident victim. If you are injured in a car accident, contact the experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at Anthem Injury Lawyers.
Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers
We hope the above tips help you stay safe while driving in wildfire smoke. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers understands that a car accident can injure the most cautious individual. If another person has injured you, it is important that you seek experienced legal representation. Time is of the essence. Get in touch with our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers today, so we can begin pursuing significant compensation for you. If you cannot visit our Las Vegas area office, we can come to you to discuss your personal injury case.
We have over 25 years of experience specializing in personal injury claims. That is exactly the level of experience you need to win your personal injury case. Going it alone is not recommended when it comes to pursuing top compensation in your Las Vegas car accident case. Now is the time to have Anthem Injury Lawyers pursue your car accident case, so you can have the best opportunity to win the compensation you deserve. Time is of the essence when pursuing vehicle accident cases. Do not wait. Now is the best time to schedule your appointment with us to discuss the details about your Las Vegas area car accident. Have our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers examine the facts and learn about your case. We will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve as an accident victim.
See why our Las Vegas lawyers give you the best opportunity to win significant compensation. We have won many cases like yours for our clients. Call Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
