Rainy day safety while driving
June 1, 2015
Rain is responsible for thousands of auto accidents every year. The majority of these Sarasota car accidents are easy to prevent and are the result of drivers who fail to take adequate safety measures when the skies open up. If you fall victim to one of these unprepared drivers, you have the option to speak with the Sarasota car accident attorneys at Jodat Law Group.
We are taught about the dangers of driving in snow or ice, but rainy day safety is less commonly discussed. Many people are unaware of just how dangerous wet roads can be. Even a light rain on a hot summer day can be dangerous. In fact, this kind of rain often presents the greatest risk. When roadways are wet, a film of water on the pavement may cause tires to lose their traction. Rain also reduces our ability to see clearly and decreases the effectiveness of our headlights.
Here are some tips:
- Use caution following a long period of dry weather. During dry periods, oil and grease that leaks from engines build up on the roads. When it rains, an extremely slick surface can form, and this is particularly dangerous during the first hour or two of rainfall.
- Give yourself adequate time for travel. You’ll need to slow down and keep in mind that traffic will be moving slower as well. Check before you go into areas where there may be flooding or other issues.
- Brake earlier and less forcefully than when driving on dry roads. This gives the driver behind you more time to see your brake lights and react, and it increases the distance between you and the person ahead of you. The same goes for turn signals – use them earlier to inform other drivers of your intentions.
- When possible, avoid standing water. Most roads are crowned in the middle to allow water to run off the sides.
- Avoid cruise control when driving in the rain. It slows your reaction time should you hydroplane. Additionally, keep your feet near the pedals to improve your reaction time.
- When possible, avoid driving through large, deep puddles that can splash water into your car’s engine and internal electrical systems. After you cross standing water, it is wise to tap lightly on your brakes to dry some of the water off your rotors.
- Never attempt to cross running water – period. You have no way of knowing how deep that water is or the state of the roadbed underneath it.
Sarasota Car Accident Attorneys – Jodat Law Group
If you or someone you know has been involved in a rainy day collision or accident, Jodat Law Group the Sarasota Car Accident Attorneys can help. For decades, Jodat Law Group has been helping clients through the difficult times in their lives. We have done this by working hard, seeking swift resolutions, and by aggressively fighting for the outcomes deserved. We are known for never quitting on a case – or a client. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.