Dangers of Driving in the Rain

It’s easy to drive in beautiful weather. Once it starts raining, though, driving can become very difficult. Even light rains can cause a vehicle to lose control or hydroplane.

It is estimated that 20% of car accidents are caused by poor weather conditions, including rain. Driving in the rain is risky but there are two types of drivers who can significantly increase the risk to others: timid drivers and reckless drivers. Timid drivers overestimate the danger of the rain and drive at unreasonably low speeds. Reckless drivers, on the other hand, tend to ignore the consequences of bad weather. They will drive at full highway speed, even when visibility is low.

Rain is dangerous for several reasons:

• Rain makes the road slippery. Rain can make it more difficult to stop or avoid colliding with other vehicles. This is especially true when it first starts raining because roads are their most slippery at the beginning of a storm.
• Rain decreases visibility. During rain storms, it can be difficult for drivers to see other cars. It’s important to make sure that your car has working windshield wipers.
• Hydroplaning is when your tires lose traction with the road and float on a thin layer of water instead. It’s difficult to steer when this happens.
• Slower reaction times. Both drivers and the controls of the car don’t react as quickly in poor weather. Drive slowly and keep a greater distance between yourself and other vehicles.
• Standing water. Standing water can disguise road hazards such as potholes. Even splashing through puddles can be dangerous, as it decreases visibility.

Tips for Driving in the Rain

Stay safe in the rain with these tips:

• Stay in control by keeping both hands on the steering wheel at all times.
• Avoid distractions. Keep your eyes on the road at all times.
• Drive slowly to accommodate for reduced reaction times.
• Keep your eyes on the car ahead of you. On a rainy day, it helps to watch the vehicle ahead of you so you can see their reactions. When they brake, you should brake as well. However, avoid following too closely.
• Avoid using cruise control, as it can cause your car to accelerate as you hydroplane, which can be dangerous.
• Don’t drive through or toward standing or moving water. You can’t accurately gauge how deep the water is and just a few inches can immobilize your vehicle.
• Avoid using back roads, as there may be more standing water in these less traveled areas.
• Pull over if it is too difficult to see in the rain.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Bad weather is a major cause of car accidents. It’s important to drive carefully in the rain and avoid speeding and reckless driving.

Crashes can still happen regardless of how well you drive. Get the legal help you need from a Houston auto accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. If your accident was caused by negligence, we can help you get compensation. Get started by scheduling a consultation. Fill out the online form or call 281-347-3247.

Source:

allaboutvision.com/eye-care/vision-road-safety/driving-in-rain/#:~:text=Headlights%20may%20perform%20at%20a,being%20visible%20to%20other%20cars.