A tragic accident this week in Florida should serve as a stark reminder to all North Carolina residents of the need to alter driving habits to fit weather and road conditions.

The car accident occurred early Sunday morning on Interstate 75 near Gainesville. Thick fog combined with smoke from a nearby brush fire and blinded drivers, causing a mile-long pileup.

Visibility was so poor that rescue workers could only locate victims by listening for their screams. So far, 10 people have died and another 18 have been hospitalized. At last report, rescue workers were still searching for bodies amongst the wreckage.

The damage was magnified by the fact that so many semi trucks were involved in the crash. A number of passenger vehicles had been crushed after becoming trapped underneath the big rigs.

Many of the vehicles exploded, and nearly all eventually caught on fire. The wreckage continued to smolder well into the afternoon. CBS news quoted one victim as saying that the accident scene "looked like the end of the world."

Always Be Aware of Road Conditions

Although this accident is certainly an extreme example, it highlights the importance of always being vigilant of weather and road conditions.

The weather in North Carolina can be unpredictable, especially in the winter months. Even if it does not rain or snow, high humidity combined with dropping temperatures can create invisible ice on the roads. Fog or precipitation can limit visibility and delay drivers' reaction time.

Before heading out for a trip, make sure you check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

If conditions turn dangerous, the safest bet is almost always to pull off the highway and wait for conditions to improve. If this is not practical, drive slowly and keep as much distance as possible between your car and the vehicle ahead of you.

Crashes like the one in Florida can happen anywhere. By having safety at the front of your mind, you can help minimize the chance of being killed or injured in a car accident.

Source: CBS News, "Cause of Deadly Florida Crash Sought," Jan. 30, 2012.