Unfortunately, there are roughly 6 million car accidents in the United States every year. On top of that, it’s a fairly safe bet to say that car accidents increase when severe weather conditions like heavy rain appear. Car accident cases are some of the most common personal injury situations than automotive attorneys see, and many of them probably could have been avoided. To prepare yourself for this rainy spring season, there are some things to keep in mind to avoid getting in a car accident.
Brake Gently
When you brake abruptly on dry pavement, there’s a minor risk of skidding. When the road is wet, that risk increases and you could even lose control of your vehicle. Slippery conditions and slamming on the breaks create the perfect recipe for a car accident. It’s important to pay attention to the drivers in front of you, and give yourself plenty of time to come to a complete stop.
Avoid Standing Water
Most roadways are designed to be higher in the middle, so there are typically puddles on the sides of the road. Driving through standing water can cause hydroplaning, which happens when the vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on a wet road. Only a small amount of water is needed for hydroplaning to happen, so make sure that if you do need to drive through standing water, you’re being cautious.
Use Your Headlights
Any amount of rain can reduce visibility, which means headlights are a must. No matter how little rain is falling, you should make sure your vehicle is visible and that you can see the vehicles around you. Many states even have laws stating that if your windshield wipers are on, your headlights must be too.
Stay Away From Cruise Control
When the roads are wet, you should not use your cruise control. You might not want to believe it, but cruise control actually increases your risk of losing control of your vehicle on wet pavement.
Keep Up with Regular Maintenance
One of the best things you can do to avoid a car accident is make sure your vehicle is prepared for the rainy weather. Replace your windshield wipers, check your tires, check your brakes, and make sure all your lights and signals are properly functioning.
Car accidents happen every day, and the rainy weather can make them even more likely. Make sure to follow the above tips to avoid personal injury during the rainy spring season. If you do get into an accident and need an automotive attorney, call us today.