If you live in Florida, you know how quickly bad weather can strike. Suddenly you can be driving in a scary, torrential downpour of rain that makes the roads treacherous.
However, you can take precautions that help you and your family from being injured in a car accident in the rain.
Important Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain
When roads are wet due to rain, they're dangerous for a number of reasons. Water can create a film on the roadway that makes it difficult for tires to maintain traction. In addition, visibility is often reduced dramatically, especially in the heavy Florida downpours.
Here are some important safety tips to follow when driving in the rain:
- Slow down. It's critical to reduce your speed while driving in the rain. This lessens the risk of hydroplaning, which is where the tires rise up on a film of water and lose traction. You also need to leave more distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you so there's sufficient time to slow down or stop at intersections or when traffic conditions require this.
- Use your headlights. You'll increase your visibility to see and be seen in the rain. Be certain your headlights, brake lights, tail lights, and turn signals are maintained as these will all help you be more visible to other drivers in a downpour.
- Don't use cruise control. While putting the vehicle on cruise works well on dry roads, it can actually contribute to losing control in slippery or rainy conditions.
- Maintain your windshield wipers and tires. Replace your windshield wipers regularly—believe it or not, this should be every six months to a year. It's also important to be certain tires are properly inflated and replaced when the tread wears to reduce the risk of skidding or hydroplaning.
- Respond properly to a skid. Even if you're careful, your vehicle could start to skid. Avoid slamming on the brakes, which could cause you to lose control. Instead, remain calm and try to steer in the direction that you want your vehicle to go.
No matter how safely you try to drive when it's raining, another negligent driver could cause you to suffer serious injuries in a car accident. If this happens, you may be able to hold him responsible for injury compensation.
Let our experienced car accident attorneys help you to build a strong claim for recovery. To get started, fill out our online form or call our office to schedule your free consultation.
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