More Car Accidents Are Caused By Rain Than Any Other Weather Condition

Spring showers may bring May flowers – but they also bring far too many wrecks.

Learn how to keep yourself safe while driving in the rain.

According to the US Department of Transportation, on average there are 1 million vehicular crashes each year due to wet pavement. These crashes unfortunately result in the death of approximately 5,000 people and injure another 400,000 each year. Now that I’m a grandparent with two young grandchildren, I worry about my grandchildren’s safety—particularly when they are riding in a car. You probably have the same concerns I do. Most of us have driven so many times in rainy conditions, we are surprised to find out just how many deaths and injuries are caused by rain. Rain is even more dangerous than driving in snow, sleet, or ice.

Our law firm has represented hundreds of clients who were injured because a careless driver did not take the necessary precautions to drive safely in the rain.

Hopefully, the six tips below will help you play it safe while driving in the rain.

1. Delay driving. If conditions are bad, postpone the trip. The saying, “It’s better to be safe than sorry is applicable to driving in unsafe conditions.”
2. Slow down. Wet pavement causes tires to lose traction. When it starts to rain, the water mixes with dirt on the road, making it slippery and harder for your tires to do their job. You should reduce your speed at least by a third (sometimes more) when it’s wet or rainy. Additionally, check the tread on your tires. Tire tread is vitally important for safety when driving in the rain.
3. Use headlights. Even if you do not think you need headlights, it is important to use them in the rain! In fact, it is required by Indiana and Illinois traffic law. You can rest assured that having your headlights on does make it easier for other drivers to see your car.
4. No cruise control. Many of us use cruise control when we should not. Cruise control can be dangerous in wet conditions. We forget cars frequently hydroplane while on cruise control. If your vehicle hydroplanes, take your foot off the accelerator and steer the direction that your car needs to go. Do not slam on your brakes or make sudden turns.
5. Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly. If they’re leaving streaks, take cloth and wipe them off. Personally, if I know I’m going to be driving in the rain, I spray some Rain-X on my front windshield.
6. Back off. Most drivers are taught to stay at least 4 or 5 seconds behind the vehicle in front of them in dry conditions. If it is raining, you need to increase the time and space between your car and the vehicle in front of you.

Staying safe while you’re driving in the rain will be much simpler if you follow the above tips. We hope the above tips help you and your loved ones stay safe.