According to the National Safety Council (NSC), car accidents are one of the leading causes of death among all age groups. This is a shocking statistic, particularly when you consider that a majority of road accidents could be avoided with proper training and precaution. The occurrence of car accidents is higher during poor weather conditions, e.g., rain, fog, snow, etc. Unfortunately, you cannot always avoid driving when there is rain, fog, or snow. So, when you must drive in such weather conditions, you must practice caution. Sharpen your defensive driving skills by following these guidelines:
Before You Head Out, Make Sure That Your Vehicle is Safe
The change in temperature can affect your vehicle’s tire pressure. So, always check your brakes, tires, and windshield wipers are operating before you decide to drive in rainy weather.
Control of Your Speed
When you manage the speed at which you are driving, and adjust for weather conditions, you have a better chance at maintaining control of your vehicle. And maintaining a lower speed allows you to more easily brake in unexpected, dangerous circumstances. Driving at a high speed increases the chances that your vehicle will hydroplane when it’s raining. In case you do lose control of your vehicle, release the brake pedal until you regain traction, and then apply the brakes again.
Turn on Your Headlights
In most states, it is required by law that you use your headlights if you are unable to clearly see across 1,000 feet in front of you. Furthermore, the law also requires that you use headlights if weather conditions force the continuous use of windshield wipers. Be sure to get familiar with the traffic safety laws of your state in order to practice safe driving and increase your likelihood of avoiding an accident.
Keep Cruise Control Off
Driving requires more attention when weather conditions are poor. You should keep cruise control off when it is raining. Your feet and hands should always be ready to react in the appropriate manner. Cruise control can be very dangerous if you hydroplane as it could cause your car to accelerate suddenly.
Maintain a Good Distance from Other Vehicles
Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and other drivers in front of you. Braking is harder in wet driving conditions because there is relatively less friction between your tires and the surface of the road. So, make sure to keep your distance and slow down when driving in the rain. It is also highly recommended that you stay away from large vehicles such as busses and trucks as they will likely throw water from their larger tires, hence affecting your visibility.
Avoid Standing Water
If possible, you should always avoid standing water. This is because it can cause skidding or hydroplaning, obscure your windshield from spraying therefore affecting visibility and can even potentially contain hazards like construction materials as well as sinkholes or deep depressions in the pavement.
The winter months are considered the wettest months for most of the United States. So, be sure to brush up on strategies to stay safe when driving in the rain, or when the roads are wet.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Auto Accident Attorneys located in Fairfax and licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland and in the District of Columbia
If you were involved in a car accident because of rain or weather related conditions, contact the experienced Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC. Call us now for a free consultation (703) 560-0700. All cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we are successful.
References
https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/overview/introduction/
https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-drive-in-rain/
https://www.idrivesafely.com/defensive-driving/trending/4-tips-driving-rain
