Tips for Driving in the Rain
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on April 30, 2024
April showers may bring May flowers, but with the rain comes wet roads and dangerous driving conditions. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, “The vast majority of most weather-related crashes happen on wet pavement and during rainfall: 70% on wet pavement and 46% during rainfall.” When faced with hazardous weather conditions, it is important to be aware of the steps you can take to remain safe while out on the road. Keep reading along for some tips for safely driving in the rain!
1. Check your Car to Make Sure Everything is Working and in Good Condition
Driving in weather conditions that may cause low visibility and slick roadways. Proper safety starts before you even hit the road! Be sure to check the condition of your car, inspecting elements such as:
- Windshield wipers
- Headlights
- Taillights
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
- Tire pressure
- Tire treads
In heavy rainfall, it is important to ensure that you have the best visibility possible. Having fresh windshield wipers that properly clear the windshield and don’t leave streaks is important!
Not only is it important for you to have good visibility as a driver, but it is also important that other drivers can see you. Checking to make sure your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are properly functioning is important as they can all help other drivers see your vehicle during downpours. Always remember to turn on your headlights when driving in the rain!
Additionally, monitoring the condition of your tires is important as tire pressure and tire tread greatly contribute to the level of traction your tires will have on a slick road. Make sure to regularly check your tires and replace them at the proper time to limit the possibility of hydroplaning on wet roads.
2. Slow Down and Leave Room Between Vehicles
Hydroplaning is when a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road when driving over wet pavement or standing water. Hydroplaning results in a loss of traction and greatly reduces the ability to control the vehicle. To reduce the chances of hydroplaning, it is important to slow down, avoid hard braking, and avoid turning too sharply. If your car does begin to hydroplane, stay calm, avoid slamming on your brakes, and gently ease off the gas until your tires regain traction. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, you may brake normally.
Because wet roads can increase your braking distance, it is also important to allow enough distance between you and other cars. Maintaining an adequate braking distance could be the reason an accident is prevented.
Other Considerations for Driving in Inclement Weather
Listed below are a few more tips for safely driving in the rain:
- Avoid using cruise control when driving in wet weather conditions.
- The chance of losing control of the vehicle can increase when using cruise control.
- Avoid standing water on roadways.
- Driving through deep puddles can cause hydroplaning and internal damage to your vehicle if water enters the engine compartment.
- Stay alert and focused on what is going on around you.
- Paying attention and being extra cautious can help prevent accidents and ensure the overall safety of everyone on the roadways.
- Use your car’s defroster.
- Rainy weather can cause the humidity in your car to increase. Turning on the defroster can prevent the windows in your car from fogging up.
- Wait for the weather to improve.
- If you don’t absolutely have to be out on the road during inclement weather, it is best to wait for the storm to pass! And remember, you can always pull over if you’re driving in the rain and it becomes too hard to see.
Keeping these safety precautions in mind when driving in the rain or on wet roads is the best way to prevent weather-related accidents. However, if you do find yourself involved in a car accident when driving in the rain, make sure to contact Cooper and Friedman. Your local Louisville car accident lawyers are here to take care of your case.
If you or someone you love has suffered in a car accident in the State of Kentucky and are in need of an experienced car accident attorney, give the lawyers at the Cooper & Friedman law firm a call. The attorneys at Cooper and Friedman PLLC have over 50 years of combined experience defending the rights of product liability victims. Contact us with questions you might have or schedule a free case consultation with an attorney by calling 502-459-7555 today.