Safe Driving Tips for Traveling in the Rain

 Posted on April 10, 2018 in Driving Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traveling in the rain can present more hazards than driving in winter conditions. Wet weather conditions can cause loss of visibility as well as hydroplaning—the process in which tires get more traction on the layer of water on the road than on the road itself. Thus, a vehicle can slide uncontrollably and cause drivers to temporarily lose their ability to steer or brake.

In many cases, drivers who experience hydroplaning panic and swerve out of their lane, or they slam on their brakes. Both of these instances can result in car accidents and severe injuries.

Safe Driving Navigation

Driving in the rain can be a frightening experience, especially when driving in a downpour. In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation reports that more than 950,000 automobile crashes are caused by wet pavement each year, which has thus resulted in 4,700 deaths and 384,000 injuries. Therefore, it is essential to consider the following tips when navigating through the rain:

• Drive Cautiously: One important factor contributing to the high number of car accidents occurring in rainy weather can be attributed to drivers failing to recognize the overall risks. When water is present on roadways, driving at high speeds reduces your tires ability to disperse water already present on the road. Moreover, with traction already decreased, driving at high speeds can lead to loss of control. When water is covering the road, slow down and allow yourself more time to reach your destination.
• Do Your Due Diligence: Prior to the arrival of inclement weather, there are two simple steps drivers can take to help ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers: pump up your tires and check your windshield wipers. Utilizing under-inflated tires can be dangerous at any time; however, driving with under-inflated tires in the rain decreases your vehicle’s ability to disperse pockets of water on the road. Additionally, if your windshield wipers fail to do their job, your visibility will be severely limited.
• Take the Controls: Today, more and more drivers elect to take advantage of advancements in automobile technology, such as the cruise control option. While cruise control can be a great tool for maintaining consistent speed, it should not be used in the rain. Inconsistencies on the roadway, such as large pockets of water, can cause vehicles to lose control. If you find yourself driving on a rainy day, it is wise to avoid the use of cruise control. If hydroplaning should occur, your car will go faster.

Speak with a Skilled Lake County Car Accident Lawyer

Despite our best efforts, accidents still happen—even in ideal weather conditions. If you or a loved one are injured in an automobile collision, contact the knowledgeable and compassionate team of Waukegan personal injury attorneys at Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. today.

Sources:

https://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/tips-and-techniques-for-driving-in-rain.html

http://www.safemotorist.com/articles/hydroplaning_basics.aspx

https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/auto-and-vehicles/5-tips-to-remember-for-driving-safely-in-the-rain