Safety Tips For Driving In The Rain

Hazards and risks increase during the wet season, regardless of whether it’s drizzling or raining heavily. According to the FHWA, between 2007 and 2016, more than 550,000 rain-related accidents occurred, resulting in over 200,000 injuries and 2,000 deaths. This article shares some safety tips for driving in the rain.

Tips for Driving in the Rain

The following are some safety tips to help you drive safely in the rain.

Prepare Yourself for the Road

Before driving on a rainy day, you need to prepare yourself to drive safely. For example, it is crucial that you have enough rest before venturing out in the rain. In the rainy season, you can’t afford to drive while drowsy.

Prepare Your Vehicle for the Road

You also need to get your car ready for the rainy season. For example, the tires of your car should be properly inflated. Your tires should not be under-inflated or over-inflated. Having properly inflated tires can improve wet weather performance. If your vehicle’s tires are worn out, replace them. When tires lack the proper tread depth, steering and stopping are affected.

Adjust Your Speed

When driving on a rainy day, it is best to drive below the posted speed limit. Wet roads make it hard to control their vehicle. Also, in wet weather, stopping distances are more than those required on dry roads. Usually, this is because tires have less grip on the road when the roads are wet. Driving under the posted speed limit can ensure you have time to react in an emergency.

Maintain Your Distance

When driving in any season, you need to leave enough room between you and the driver ahead of you. However, it is especially important that you maintain a safe distance when driving in the rainy season. You should give yourself enough time to react in case of an emergency. It is hard to hit another vehicle if you maintain a safe distance.

Avoid Sudden Movements

While you can get away with sudden movement during the dry season, this might not be the case during the rainy season. When driving in the rainy season, ensure that when, for example, you accelerate or brake, you do so smoothly. That way, you lower the risk of losing control of your vehicle.

Avoid Flooded Roads

If a pool of rainwater is blocking the road and you are unsure how deep it is, you should avoid driving through it. If you drive through a pool of water that is as little as three inches deep, you can lose control of your vehicle.

Switch on Lights

Lastly, ensure your headlights are on when driving in the rainy season. When your headlights are turned on, other drivers can see you. Additionally, when you turn on your headlights and your tail lights come on, you reduce the risk of being rear-ended.

Contact Us for Legal Help

If another motorist hits you and causes you injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Talk to our Orlando personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm to learn more.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Tampa, Miami, and Jacksonville areas.

Source:

ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm