Driving in the rain is more dangerous than most people assume. Rain can seriously reduce visibility and make roads slippery. Severe rain, such as downpours during hurricanes, only compound these dangers.
When driving in the rain, you should slow down, make sure your lights are on, double-check when making lane changes, and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you. You can also take preventive measures by ensuring your windshield wipers, headlights, and blinkers are functioning properly.
Studies Show That Rainy Conditions Increase the Severity of Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen regardless of weather conditions. Still, Accident Analysis and Prevention found that heavy rain can make car accidents more severe, especially when compact cars are involved.
Additionally, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rain makes roads slick, which makes it harder to control your vehicle. Maneuvers you would usually make can become more difficult to perform on wet surfaces.
Flooded roads bring even more challenges. Studies show that it only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a passenger vehicle and two feet to carry away a truck or SUV.
Safety Features May Not Help in the Rain
Advanced driver assistance systems, such as lane departure warning systems, may not function properly in the rain. Even if they do, Sensors notes that they provide little advantage during rainy conditions.
You should not rely on these safety features when it is raining. Take the same precautions as if you did not have these assistance systems.
How Do Most Drivers Respond to Rainy Weather?
The Journal of Safety Research studied driver behavior during rainy conditions. Findings revealed that drivers often rely on hard braking and swerving to avoid accidents when the roads are wet.
These maneuvers are not failproof, though. In the absence of preventive measures, they can even contribute to the risks.
Take Precautions When Driving in the Rain
If you can avoid driving in the rain, especially heavy rain, do so. If you cannot, there are a few precautions you can take to lower the risk of having an accident.
Slow Down
When it’s raining, drive slower than you normally would. You should still abide by the minimum speed limit, but you should use your discretion whenever the situation calls for it. Speed contributes to accidents during normal conditions, so it can be even riskier when it’s raining.
You may also want to take turns slower. You should also approach any obstacles in the road, such as speed bumps, at reduced speeds.
Leave Extra Room Between Vehicles
Leaving even a few extra inches between vehicles can prevent a rear-end accident. Remember, your stopping time lessens in the rain. The more room you leave between vehicles, the safer you will be.
Make Sure Your Windshield Wipers Are Working Properly
Having functional windshield wipers can also save the day when driving in the rain. People can easily forget to install new windshield wipers, especially in areas with little and infrequent rainfall. Do not let your guard down. Keep your windshield wipers up to date, and test them regularly with your windshield spray.
Use Your Headlights When Driving in the Rain
Some states require drivers to use their headlights in the rain. This can help other motorists see you through the rainfall. Remember, rainy conditions reduce visibility on the road. You want to make sure other drivers can see you.
You Can Seek Compensation for Car Accidents That Happen While It’s Raining
Even if adverse weather conditions contribute to an accident on the road, you can seek compensation from an at-fault party. You can file an insurance claim or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
If an insurer denies liability, a lawyer from our firm can counter their determination of fault using evidence. We can fight for fair compensation while you rest and recover from your injuries.
How Our Car Accident Lawyers Help Injured People Pursue Damages
When you partner with our injury firm, our team will:
- Investigate your accident
- Gather evidence of fault
- Calculate your damages
- Consult with experts
- Review your medical records
- Handle all of the paperwork for your claim or lawsuit
- Help you abide by relevant deadlines
- Negotiate a settlement
- Represent you in a trial
We will keep you updated on your case as it progresses. You’ll never be in the dark about your legal matters with us on your side.
Let Our Car Accident Lawyers Handle Your Case
After a car accident, you deserve to focus on your well-being, not hassle with the legal process. Our car accident attorneys can step in and work on your case while you rest. The Parrish Law Firm, PLLC wants to pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
You could recover medical expenses, lost wages, and “pain and suffering” and inconvenience. For a free consultation, give us a call at (571) 229-1800. Act quickly, as deadlines may apply to your case.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form
