Rain is a contributing factor in thousands of auto accidents each year, and as the spring weather draws nearer, precipitation comes with it across the nation. Excessive rain can lead to accidents by creating slippery road conditions and also reducing visibility, especially in heavy downpours, and in this coming season all drivers should be aware of the appropriate precautions to see clearly and drive safely at all times.
– Always make sure your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and windshield wipers are working properly and keep your headlights on in the rain. Ensuring that other drivers can see you is among the most important aspects of safe driving, and it is all the more applicable in inclement weather.
– Make sure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition. Worn-out tires which may have lost traction can increase your risk of hydroplaning, which occurs at high speeds when the water between the road and tires serves as its own layer and separates the two, resulting in lost traction and control.
– Avoid using cruise control during rainstorms. While it is convenient and effective in dry conditions, it also increases the risk of hydroplaning in the rain, as the driver cannot continually adjust their speed based on the road conditions.
– Drive more cautiously than usual, which consists of slower speeds, avoiding sharp turns, and pumping the brakes rather than stopping abruptly. You must adjust your velocity according to the road’s slipperiness or excessive speed may cause you to slip and lose traction. Also be sure to allow additional braking distance when following vehicles and approaching intersections.
– Skidding can be a problem when the vehicle cannot stop quickly enough.
If you feel the vehicle beginning to skid, continue steering in the direction you intend to go, but don’t hit the brakes too hard, as this can have the opposite effect and result in a greater loss of control.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, America’s Consumer Lawyer is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
