Spring showers may bring May flowers, but they also bring a significant increase in dangerous driving conditions and preventable crashes.
Rain may seem routine, especially for experienced drivers in Indiana and Illinois, but wet pavement is consistently linked to a high number of serious and fatal accidents each year.
Understanding the risks of driving in the rain, and adjusting your habits accordingly, can make a major difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are approximately 1 million vehicle crashes each year involving wet pavement, resulting in around 5,000 deaths and more than 400,000 injuries annually.
Many drivers are surprised to learn that rain can be more dangerous than snow, ice, or sleet because it often catches people off guard. Roads that appear “just wet” can become extremely slick due to oil and dirt mixing with rainwater.
At our firm, we regularly represent clients who were injured because another driver failed to adjust their driving for weather conditions.
“People tend to underestimate how quickly traction is lost, and that split-second misjudgment is often what leads to serious crashes,” says attorney Caleb Fleschner.
If you must drive in rainy conditions, these safety tips can help reduce your risk of an accident:
If the weather is severe, the safest option is often to wait. No appointment or errand is worth risking your safety if conditions are hazardous.
Wet roads reduce tire traction and increase stopping distance. A good rule of thumb is to reduce your speed by at least one-third when roads are wet. Also, make sure your tires are in good condition. Proper tread depth is critical for preventing hydroplaning.
Headlights should always be used in rainy conditions, even during the daytime. Not only does this improve your visibility, it helps other drivers see you more clearly. In Indiana and Illinois, this is also required by law when weather conditions limit visibility.
Cruise control can be dangerous on wet roads because it reduces your control over acceleration. If hydroplaning occurs, gently ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the car to go. Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns.
Worn or streaking wipers can severely limit visibility. Replace them as needed and keep your windshield clean. Many drivers also use products like Rain-X to improve water runoff during storms.
In dry conditions, a 4–5 second following distance is recommended. In the rain, increase that distance significantly to allow more time to react to sudden stops or hazards.
Rain is one of the most common, but most underestimated, dangerous driving conditions. Most accidents in wet weather are preventable with simple adjustments in speed, distance, and attention.
Taking a few extra precautions can help protect not only you, but everyone sharing the road with you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver in unsafe weather conditions, our team is here to help.
At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, we’ve helped injury victims throughout Indiana and Illinois recover compensation after serious crashes involving rain, poor visibility, and dangerous road conditions.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin
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The financial burden that often comes with a serious injury can be too much for many people to bear. Unexpected medical debt, damaged personal property, and the sudden loss of income can impact the budgets of most families. The good news is that a successful injury claim could help reduce that financial strain after a serious accident. Get in touch with a Terre Haute personal injury lawyer with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to learn more.
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