Heavy rainstorms are one of the top causes of auto accidents in the United States. Although Florida is known as the Sunshine State, we have some terrific rain storms. Knowing some basic safety tips on how to better handle your vehicle during a rain storm will help you avoid a car accident.
Make sure your automobile is in great condition.
Tires matter. Your tires must have sufficient tread. Tire tread is designed to channel water away from the space between the tire and the road. Sufficient tire tread enables the tire to grip the road properly and allows you to maintain control of your vehicle. If you have “bald tires,” or insufficient tread, the tire will ride on water rather than on pavement. We know this as hydroplaning, and it will cause you to lose control of your car. It is well know that the faster you are traveling, the more likely you are to hydroplane.
Windshield wipers matter. You cannot see where you are going if your wipers will not remove excess water from your windshield. Windshield wipers are not very expensive, and most do it yourself auto parts stores will help you install new wipers for no charge.
Do not use cruise control in the rain. Cruise control is designed so that your vehicle maintains a certain speed without using the gas pedal. On most vehicles, cruise control works by ensuring that your tires continue to spin at a chosen speed. When the roads are wet, one or more tires may contact a puddle of water, and this puddle of water may cause the tire to hydroplane or to stop spinning at the same speed. When this happens, your vehicle slows down. When your vehicle slows down, the cruise control engages and the vehicle accelerates in an effort to return the vehicle to the chosen speed. You now have a vehicle that is hydroplaning or slowing due to water on the pavement, and a cruise control system that is causing the vehicle to accelerate. You are out of control because instead of continuing to slow down due to contact with water, you are accelerating. In short, do not use cruise control in the rain, or when there is water build up on the street.
Give more allowance to your travel time.
The rain requires all drivers to drive slower than usual. This is due to visibility concerns, the hazards of a slippery road and a lessened ability to stop your vehicle on wet pavement. Given that you must drive slower in the rain, please allow yourself more time travel time when it rains. Allowing extra time will help prevent you from driving too fast for conditions and will help prevent vehicular accidents.
Be alert.
Keeping both hands on the steering wheel, both eyes on the road, and avoiding doing unnecessary things such as talking on the phone or texting will improve your reaction time. It is harder to see the road and other vehicles when it is raining. If it is harder for you to see things, it is harder for the other drivers as well. Since it is often the other guy that is your biggest hazard, be aware that other drivers may not appreciate the risks of driving in heavy rain. When it is raining, you must be more alert than normal because other drivers will be driving worse than normal.
Always keep a safe distance.
It is more difficult to stop your vehicle on wet roads compared to dry roads. Given that your brakes will not stop your vehicle as quickly on a wet road, be aware that you must apply your brakes earlier and allow more stopping time when it is raining. Braking earlier and with less force than normal is the safer choice. Always keep a safe distance from vehicles in front of you when driving in the rain. This gives you the space you need to safely stop your vehicle.
When in an auto accident, know this.
Accidents happen even when people are careful. If you are involved in an accident, ask everyone involved whether they are injured. Call the police and get the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses. If possible, take pictures of the vehicles before they are moved. Exchange insurance information with the other drivers and call your insurance company to report the accident. If there is any question about an injury, it is wise to allow a physician to check you out. If you think you may be involved in a legal case, get yourself accomplished auto accident attorneys Orlando to help you with your case. Getting the services of a law firm such as Starker Law will be very beneficial. Established more than 15 years ago by Jeffrey D. Starker, Esq., Starker Law has grown because of its many successful cases. Knowing that the people fighting for your rights are well experienced and knowledgeable will help you during these trying times.
Jeffrey D. Starker, Esq., has been an insurance and injury lawyer in Orlando, Florida, for over 15 years. Mr. Starker formerly represented insurance companies, and he currently represents people that have been injured in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, and many other accidents.
Thank you so much for sharing this information, it's been a really interesting read, Thanks for the great tips. Auto Accident attorney orlando
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